Cardiac electrical lead

ABSTRACT

A bipolar cardiac lead ( 100 ) is provided and includes a connector pin ( 112 ), a connector insulator ( 116 ), and a ring connector ( 130 ). The connector pin ( 112 ) has a proximal end and a distal end, and the proximal end is configured to engage an electrical stimulation device. The connector insulator ( 116 ) is coupled to the distal end of the connector pin ( 112 ) and may define a bore ( 118 ) configured for receiving a portion of the connector pin ( 112 ). The connector insulator ( 116 ) provides electrical insulation between the connector pin ( 112 ) and the ring connector ( 130 ). The ring connector ( 130 ) is coupled to the connector insulator ( 116 ) with a snap-fit connection and may be disposed around a portion of the connector insulator ( 116 ). The bipolar cardiac lead ( 100 ) may be an active or a passive lead.

This application is a US National Stage of International Application No. PCT/CN2012/088070, filed on Dec. 31, 2012, designating the United States, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to implantable electrical leads. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to connection end features of implantable electrical leads where the lead is connected to an associated defibrillator, pacemaker, or other electrical stimulation device.

BACKGROUND

Electrodes are often used to stimulate contraction of the heart. For example, when a patient's heart is functioning with an abnormal rhythm, electrical energy may be applied to the heart via the electrodes to return the heart to a normal rhythm. In some cases this procedure may be an isolated event while in other cases a more frequent, regular, or even continuous process is used. In these cases electrodes may be incorporated into a lead that is used with a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other electrical stimulation device such that pacing pulses may be delivered, for example, to an atrium or ventricle of a heart. The system including the electrical stimulation device and the lead may be implantable and, thus, used over long periods of time.

In general, a lead includes a pair of electrodes disposed at a distal end of the lead which may be positioned generally in the right ventricle or the right atrium of the heart. The proximal end of the lead may be coupled to a defibrillator or a pacemaker and conductors may deliver electrical impulses along the length of the lead to the electrode thereby delivering pacing pulses to the heart.

There are at least two conventional types of leads. The first type of lead is referred to as an active electrical lead with an active mechanism at the distal end. The second type of lead is referred to as a passive electrical lead with a passive mechanism at the distal end.

The distal end of a typical active electrical lead may include a helical anchor electrode designed to be actuated and axially extend and/or rotate out of a tip portion of the lead to engage or embed into the endocardium. The distal end of a typical passive electrical lead may include an anchor type fixation mechanism designed to anchor the distal end in the heart. The fixation mechanism for a passive lead, for example, may include one or more radially spaced tines that secure the distal end in the heart.

The proximal end of pacemaker and defibrillator leads are commonly designed and manufactured to a standard such as China Standard YY/T 0491-2004//ISO 5841-3, 2000. The standard is applicable to both active and passive pacemaker or defibrillator leads. Within that standard, medical device implant companies commonly have their own unique designs. Among the technologies used to meet the standard, are laser welding and metal crimping resulting in highly reliable pacemaker and defibrillator lead joint connections.

The design of defibrillator and pacemaker leads has evolved over time. Over time and at present, the proximal end of an active electrical lead and the proximal end of a passive electrical lead are generally designed differently due to their functional differences. That is, the proximal end of an active lead may be designed to actuate and/or control the distal active mechanism, while the proximal end of a passive lead may not include such actuation and/or control features. System designs and assembly processes of the passive and active electrical leads are, thus, different. As a result, the overall cost of having significant different system designs and assembly processes is relatively high and a system having common features or similar or exchangeable components between an active electrical lead and a passive electrical lead may be less expensive and more attractive to consumers.

The information included in this Background section of the specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

SUMMARY

In one implementation, a bipolar cardiac lead is provided. The lead includes a connector pin, a connector insulator, and a ring connector. The connector pin has a proximal end and a distal end, and the proximal end is configured to engage an electrical stimulation device. The connector insulator is coupled to the distal end of the connector pin and may define a bore configured to receive a portion of the connector pin. The connector insulator provides electrical insulation between the connector pin and the ring connector. The ring connector is coupled to the connector insulator with a snap-fit connection and may be disposed around a portion of the connector insulator. The bipolar cardiac lead may be an active or a passive lead.

In another implementation, a connector insulator is provided. The connector insulator includes a body, a proximal extension extending from the body in a proximal direction, and a distal extension extending from the body in a distal direction. The proximal extension is connectable to a connector pin, and the distal extension is connectable to a ring connector. The distal extension includes at least one tab extending radially outward from an outer surface of the distal extension. The at least one tab is spaced from the body in a distal direction to define an annular recess between the at least one tab and the body.

In another implementation, a ring connector is provided. The ring connector includes a band portion and a crimp portion arranged distally to the band portion. The band portion includes an exposed outer surface and an inner wall. The exposed outer surface is configured to electrically communicate with an electrical stimulation device, and the inner wall defines an inner cavity configured to receive a portion of a connector insulator. The inner wall includes an annular groove spaced distally from a proximal face of the ring connector to define a radially inturned lip intermediate the proximal face and the annular groove. The ring connector may include a slot portion arranged intermediate the band portion and the crimp portion.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention is provided in the following written description of various embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an implantable medical electrical lead with an active electrode.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal end of the lead of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a connector pin of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a pin sleeve of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a connector insulator of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a proximal seal of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a ring connector of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 7C and 7D are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of an alternative ring connector.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a ring sleeve of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a boot seal of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a distal end of the lead of FIG. 1 with an active electrode tip configuration.

FIG. 10C is an isometric cross-sectional view of the active electrode tip configuration of FIG. 10B with the helical anchor electrode in an extended position.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a tip electrode pin of the active electrode of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a helical anchor electrode of the active electrode tip of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of helical anchor electrode, a stopper/spacer ring, and a seal ring attached to the tip electrode pin of the active electrode tip of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of an intermediate connector mount of the active electrode tip of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a ring electrode of the active electrode tip of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a spacer/stopper ring of the active electrode tip of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a distal seal ring of the active electrode tip of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a tip housing of the active electrode tip of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 19 is a view showing an exemplary embodiment of a marker band formed of a radiopaque material.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are a distal isometric view and a proximal isometric view, respectively, of a soft tip plug of the active electrode tip of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative proximal end of the lead of FIG. 1 with a snap-fit connection between the connector insulator and the ring connector.

FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 22C are an isometric view, an isometric cross-sectional view, and a distal, elevation side view, respectively, of a connector insulator of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 21.

FIGS. 22D, 22E, and 22F are an isometric view, an isometric cross-sectional view, and a distal, elevation side view, respectively, of an alternative connector insulator.

FIGS. 22G, 22H, and 22I are an isometric view, an isometric cross-sectional view, and a distal, elevation side view, respectively, of another alternative connector insulator.

FIGS. 23A and 23B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a ring connector of the lead of FIGS. 1 and 21.

FIG. 24 is an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an implantable medical electrical lead with a passive electrode.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a proximal end of the lead of FIG. 24.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a connector insulator of the lead of FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a proximal seal of the lead of FIGS. 24 and 25.

FIGS. 28A and 28B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a distal end of the lead of FIG. 24.

FIGS. 29A and 29B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a tip electrode of the lead of FIGS. 24, 28A, and 28B.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a passive tip sheath of the lead of FIGS. 24, 28A, and 28B.

FIGS. 30C and 30D are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of an alternative passive tip sheath.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a steroid insert for the passive tip sheath of the lead of FIGS. 24, 28A, and 28B.

FIGS. 32A and 32B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a tip sleeve of the lead of FIGS. 24, 28A, and 28B.

FIGS. 33A and 33B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of a ring electrode of the lead of FIGS. 24, 28A, and 28B.

FIGS. 34A and 34B are an isometric view and an isometric cross-sectional view, respectively, of an alternative ring electrode.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative proximal end of the lead of FIG. 24 with a snap-fit connection between the connector insulator and the ring connector.

FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 36C are an isometric view, an isometric cross-sectional view, and a distal, elevation side view, respectively, of a connector insulator of the lead of FIGS. 24 and 35.

FIGS. 36D, 36E, and 36F are an isometric view, an isometric cross-sectional view, and a distal, elevation side view, respectively, of an alternative connector insulator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to an implantable electrical lead having an active mechanism on a distal end (i.e., an active lead) or a passive mechanism on a distal end (i.e., a passive lead). The active and passive leads may include a system of parts on a proximal end thereof that is primarily adapted to connect to and electrically communicate with a defibrillator, pace maker, or other electrical stimulation device. It is noted that some of the parts may be adapted to insulate between other parts and/or between the proximal end and the electrical stimulation device. Additionally, for the active lead, a portion of the parts may be particularly adapted to allow actuation and control of the active mechanism on the distal end of the lead. The system of parts may be designed so that many of the parts of the proximal end of the active and passive leads are the same, thereby reducing the cost of tooling, manufacturing, and assembling the different type of leads.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of an implantable medical electrical lead 100. The lead 100 has a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. As shown, an active tip portion 106 may be disposed at the distal end 104 of the lead 100 and may include a helical anchor electrode 108. The helical anchor electrode 108 may be designed to axially extend out of the active tip portion 106 to engage a treatment site of a patient such as the endocardium of a heart, for example. The helical anchor electrode 108 may be retractably extended distally out of the active tip portion 106. In operation, a conductive connector pin at the proximal end 102 of the lead 100 may be rotated to drive a mechanism in the active tip portion 106, thereby extending the helical anchor electrode 108 out of the tip portion 106. The rotating extension of the helical anchor electrode 108 from the active tip portion 106 may engage (i.e., screw into) a treatment site of a patient.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the proximal end 102 of the lead 100 includes a system of parts or pieces. The system of parts or pieces may be divided into three categories including inner parts relating to an inner conductor, outer parts relating to an outer conductor, and insulating parts for electrically separating the inner parts from the outer parts. The inner parts may include a conductive connector pin 112, an inner conductor or coil 120, and a pin sleeve 122. The outer parts may include a ring connector 130, an outer conductor or coil 134, and a ring sleeve 136. The inner and outer parts may be substantially separated by the insulating parts including a connector insulator 116 and an insulator tubing 124. A proximal seal 114 and a boot seal 140 may also be provided.

Beginning with the inner parts, the connector pin 112 may be configured for electrical engagement with a defibrillator, pacemaker or other electrical stimulation device and for communicating electrical impulses to the inner conductor or coil 120. As such, the connector pin 112 may be adapted at one end for plugging into a socket of an electrical stimulation device and may be adapted at another end for connecting to the inner conductor or coil 120.

A close-up view of a connector pin 112 is shown in FIG. 3. As shown, the connector pin 112 may include a socket end 160 and a conductor end 162 and may further include a bar portion 164 extending therebetween. The socket end 160 of the pin 112 may be generally elongate and cylindrically-shaped and may have a diameter adapted for placement in a correspondingly shaped socket of an electrical stimulation device. The proximal end of the socket end 160 may include a chamfered edge 166 for guiding the pin 112 into the socket when placing the pin 112 into the electrical device. The distal end of the socket end 160 may include a substantially sharp or square edge 168 for abutting the connector insulator 116 or the proximal seal 114 as the case may be.

Exposed portions of the proximal end 102 of the lead 100, like the socket end 160 just described, that may contact or otherwise physically interact with an electrical stimulation device, may be designed to meet industry standard specifications such as the IS-1 specification, for example. As such, while particular parts of the proximal end 102 are described herein as varying in size, diameter, length, or other dimensional variations, in some embodiments, the exposed portions of the parts may be selected to meet such specifications or standards. However, nothing in the present disclosure should be construed to limit the parts to industry standard dimensions.

The bar portion 164 of the connector pin 112 may also be generally elongate and cylindrically shaped and may have a diameter smaller than that of the socket end 160. The bar portion 164 may have a length selected to longitudinally secure the pin 112 relative to the connector insulator 116 and the proximal seal 114. That is, the length of the bar portion 164 may correspond to a bore length in the connector insulator 116 as shown in FIG. 2, such that longitudinal motion is substantially prevented relative to the connector insulator 116. As shown in FIG. 2, the socket end 160 and the bar portion 164 may include a longitudinally extending bore 170 extending from the socket end 160 of the pin 112 to the distal end of the bar portion 164 and exiting into a crimp zone 172 within the conductor end 162 of the pin 112. This bore 170 may be sized and adapted to receive a stylet, for example, when installing or positioning the lead 100, or when access to the distal end 104 of the lead 100 is desired.

The conductor end 162 of the pin 112 may be substantially cylindrically-shaped with an outer diameter slightly larger than that of the bar portion 164 and slightly smaller than that of the socket end 160. Other relationships of diameters of the several portions of the connector pin 112 may also be provided. For example, the conductor end 162 may have an outer diameter larger than the socket end 160. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the conductor end 162 may be arranged in a relatively congested area where the ring connector 130, the insulator tubing 124, the connector insulator 116, the conductor end 162, the inner conductor 120, and the pin sleeve 122 all overlap. Where the proximal end 102 is designed to meet the IS-1 specification, for example, restrictions on the overall outer diameter together with the congestion may cause the outer diameter of the conductor end 162 to be smaller than the socket end 160.

The conductor end 162 of the pin 112 may include an inner cavity or crimp zone 172 having a substantially cylindrical cross-section with a diameter defining an inner diameter of the conductor end 162 as shown in FIG. 2. The conductor end 162 may have a length selected to match or exceed the length of the pin sleeve 122, to be described below, so as to provide suitable length for crimping the conductor 120. Other conductor end lengths may be selected and a suitable length of the cavity 172 may be selected to ensure sufficient crimp length of the coil 120 within the cavity 172.

The conductor end 162 may include a hole or a pair of holes 174 for inspecting the crimped conductor 120 within the cavity 172. The holes 174 may extend through the conductor end 162 from an outer surface and into the cavity 172 and may be positioned near a proximal end of the cavity 172. As such, when the conductor 120 is crimped in the cavity 172, a portion of the conductor 120 may be visible through the hole or holes 174 and the depth into the cavity 172 of the crimp connection may be ascertainable to assure sufficient crimp length.

The connector pin 112 can be made from one or more of several biocompatible conductor materials such as stainless steel 316L or a metal alloy, MP35N, for example. The pin material may be selected to be biocompatible and suitably conduct and transmit electrical signals from an electrical stimulation device. The material, together with the sizes of the pin 112 and the pin sleeve 122 (e.g., relative diameters and wall thicknesses), may be selected to suitably crimp the inner conductor or coil 120 therebetween such that a reliable crimp connection is provided that is both mechanically secure and through which electrical transmissions can be made. It is noted that the connector pin 112 may be engineered to have sufficient strength to withstand compression forces associated with assembly. For example, as can be appreciated from FIG. 2, the conductor end 162 of the pin 112 may be forced through the bore 118 of the connector insulator 116 into the bore 119 and the bar portion 164 of the pin 112 may be suitably strong to withstand such a compression force without buckling or weakening. In an effort to more smoothly insert the pin 112, the distal end of the conductor end 162 may include an exterior taper 176 as shown in FIG. 3.

An isolated view of the pin sleeve 122 is shown in FIG. 4. The pin sleeve 122 may be adapted for insertion a selected distance into the proximal end of the conductor or coil 120. As such, the pin sleeve 122 may include a sleeve portion 178 and a flare portion 180. The sleeve portion 178 may be substantially cylindrically shaped for insertion into the proximal end of the coil 120. The diameter of the sleeve portion 178 may be slightly larger than that of the coil 120 to create some connecting friction between the sleeve 122 and the coil 120 when the coil is sleeved over the sleeve portion 178. The diameter of the pin sleeve 122 may also be selected to suitably pinch or press the coil 120 against the inner surface of the cavity 172 of the conductor end 162 of the pin 112 when crimping the coil 120.

The sleeve portion 178 may have a length selected to sufficiently engage the coil 120 and hold the coil 120 when the coil 120 is crimped between the sleeve 178 and the inner surface of the conductor end 162 of the pin 112. The flare portion 180 of the sleeve 122 may be positioned on a proximal end of the sleeve 122 and may be configured to limit or stop the insertion distance of the sleeve 122 in the coil 120 and to prevent the sleeve 122 from passing too far into the coil 120 when crimping the coil 120. As such, the flared portion 180 may define a gradually increasing diameter beginning with the diameter of the sleeve portion 178 and extending to a diameter approximating the inner diameter of the crush cavity 172 of the conductor end 162 of the pin 112. It is noted that the proximal end of the pin sleeve 122 is shown as a flared portion in contrast to the more square or flange-like proximal end on the ring sleeve 136 of FIGS. 8A and 8B. The shape of the proximal ends of the pin sleeve 122 and ring sleeve 136 may be selected based on whether the respective part is formed from tubing or bar stock. For example, if the part is formed from tubing, the proximal end may be flared like the pin sleeve 122 shown. However, if the part is formed from bar stock, the proximal end may be machined to be flanged like the ring sleeve 136. Other fabrication techniques and approaches may also be used.

The inner diameter of the conductor end 162 of the pin 112 and the outer diameter of the sleeve portion 178 of the pin sleeve 122 may be selected to suitably crimp the inner conductor or coil 120 therebetween. For example, the pin sleeve 122 may have an outer diameter and the wire used for the inner coil 120 may have a thickness. The inner diameter of the cavity 172 may be selected to be slightly less than the outer diameter of the pin sleeve 122 plus twice the wire thickness. As such, when the pin sleeve 122 is inserted into the coil 120 and the pin sleeve 122 and conductor 120 are pressed into the cavity 172 of the conductor end 162 of the pin 112, the coil 120 may be crimped between the pin sleeve 122 and the inner surface of the cavity 172 of the conductor end 162 of the pin 112. Consideration may be given to the thicknesses and elasticity of the conductor end 162 of the pin 112 and the pin sleeve 122 when selecting suitable relative diameters.

The inner conductor or coil 120 may be an electrically conductive member extending longitudinally along the lead 100. The conductor 120 may be in the shape of a coil or a tubular sleeve shape may be provided. The coil shape may provide flexibility to the lead and allow for maneuverability when placing the lead, for example. The inner conductor 120 may define a longitudinally extending bore along its length for receiving a stylet or other device.

As mentioned, the inner parts may be electrically isolated from the outer parts by a system of insulating parts. A close-up view of the connector insulator 116 is shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. The connector insulator 116 may be configured for sleevably isolating the connector pin 112 and a portion of the inner conductor 120 from the outer parts. In addition, the connector insulator 116 may be configured for supporting a portion of the proximal seal 114. The connector insulator 116 may be configured to separate the connector pin 112 from the proximal seal 114 such that the connector pin 112 may be easily rotated, thereby rotating the inner conductor or coil 120 and controlling a tip electrode pin 105 and the helical anchor electrode 108 attached thereto on a distal end 104 of the lead 100 as shown in FIG. 10B. The connector insulator 116 may include a central body 182, a proximal extension 184, and a distal extension 186. The central body 182 may include a substantially cylindrically-shaped body having an outer diameter. The distal extension 186 may also be substantially cylindrically-shaped and may include an outer diameter smaller than that of the central body 182.

The distal extension 186 may extend from the central body 182 in the distal direction from a set of cascading shoulders 188, 190. An outer shoulder 188 may be defined by the interface of a portion of the outer surface 129 of the central body 182 and a step surface 132. The inner width 190 may be defined by a cylindrical inner shoulder surface 127 intersecting normally with the step surface 132 and transitioning to an additional radially oriented step surface 128. The width of the step surface 132 may define the difference between a diameter of a cylindrical inner shoulder surface 127 and the diameter of the central body. The diameter of the inner shoulder surface 127 is less than the diameter of the central body 182 but larger than the diameter of the distal extension 186. The width of the additional step surface 128 may define the difference between the diameter of the inner shoulder surface 127 and the diameter of the distal extension 186.

The distal tip of the distal extension 186 may include a tapered or chamfered tip 189 creating a conical shape for receiving a dilated portion 126 of the insulator tubing 124. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the dilated portion 126 of the insulator tubing 124 may be stretched, expanded, or otherwise distended over the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116. The dilated portion 126 is held away from the crimp connection of the inner conductor 120 to provide space for this connection and may help to avoid binding, pinching, or otherwise constricting the crimp connection at this location.

The proximal extension 184 of the connector insulator 116 may extend from the proximal end of the central body 182 and may be substantially cylindrical with a diameter smaller than that of the central body 182. The transition between the central body 182 and the proximal extension 184 may define a proximal shoulder 183 opposite the cascading shoulders described. The interface between the proximal extension 184 and the proximal shoulder 183 may be formed as a small, concave, annular radius 185. The outer surface of the proximal extension 184 may be formed as a plurality of alternating flat annular ribs 181 and flat annular channels 187. The proximal extension 184 may extend underneath the proximal seal 114. As such, when the proximal seal 114 is positioned on the proximal extension 184, a distal end of the proximal seal 114 may abut the proximal shoulder 194 of the central body 182 and a proximal end of the proximal seal 114 may align with the proximal end of the connector insulator 116.

The connector insulator 116 may include center bore 118 with a diameter configured for receiving the bar portion 164 of the connector pin 112. The diameter of the bore 118 may be slightly larger than the bar portion 164 so as to allow rotation of the connector pin 112 relative to the connector insulator 116. In other embodiments lubrication and/or a bushing may be provided to offer further rotational freedom of the pin 112 relative to the connector insulator 116. The center bore 118 may extend from the proximal end of the insulator 116 to a point within the central body 182 of the insulator 116 where the center bore 118 may transition to a bore 119 with a larger diameter. The bore 119 with the larger diameter may accommodate the increased diameter of the conductor end 162 of the connector pin 112. The diameter of the bores 118, 119 may remain slightly larger than the respective portion of the connector pin 112. The bore 119, with its larger diameter, may extend through the remaining portion of the central body 182 and through the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116.

The connector insulator 116 may be constructed from a bio-compatible grade of insulator material. This material may be selected to provide sufficient mechanical strength, elasticity, and insulation characteristics. For example, as described with respect to the connector pin 112, the conductor end 162 of the connector pin 112 may be pressed through the bore 118 of the connector insulator 116. As such, the connector insulator 116 may be made of a relatively strong yet elastic material allowing the pin 112 to be driven therethrough without loss of strength and without permanent deformation. In some embodiments, the connector insulator 116 may be made from a moldable thermoplastic such as polyurethane, polysulfone, or PEEK. Still other material may be selected to provide the suitable strength, elasticity, and insulation characteristics.

While elastic, the connector insulator 116 may also be designed to secure the connector pin 112 and prevent the connector pin 112 from being removed or withdrawn from the proximal end of the lead 100. A proximal shoulder 131 at the proximal end of the conductor end 162 may be provided to transition to the smaller diameter bar portion 164 (See FIG. 3.). A surface 135 of the shoulder 131 may interact with an opposing surface 137 of shoulder 133 on the interior surface of the connector insulator 116. (See FIG. 2.) The shoulder 133 on the interior of the connector insulator 116 may be formed as the transition between the bore 118 and bore 119. The relative diameters of the bar portion 164 and bore 118 and the relative diameters of the conductor end 162 and bore 119 may be selected to allow the connector pin 112 to rotate within the connector insulator 116. However, to prevent removal therefrom, the diameter of the conductor end 162 may be selected to be larger than the diameter of the bore 118. In addition, the material of connector insulator 116 may be selected to be rigid enough to prevent withdrawal of the connector pin 112 under withdrawal loads or strengths specified by the IS-1 specification, for example.

The proximal seal 114 may be configured for secured placement on the connector insulator 116 and for sealingly engaging a socket on an electrical stimulation device. In addition, the proximal seal 114 may function, together with the connector insulator 116, to electrically isolate and prevent crosstalk between the ring connector 130 and the connector pin 112. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the proximal seal 114 may include a flush portion 198 and a seal portion 199. The flush portion 198 may be distal to the seal portion 199 and may function to encompass the proximal extension 184 of the connector insulator 116 and abut the central body 182 thereof. The flush portion 198 may be substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter substantially matching the outer diameter of the central body 182 of the connector insulator 116 thereby being flush therewith. The seal portion 199 may be proximal to the flush portion 198 and may also be substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter slightly larger than the flush portion 198. The seal portion 199 may include one or more (e.g., two) annular, radially-extending ribs 196 protruding from the outer surface of the seal portion 199 and defining relatively deep channels 192 in between. The ribs 196 may extend from the seal portion 199 such that the outer surface or tip of the ribs 196 defines a diameter larger than the flush portion 198. The diameter of the channels 192 may be smaller than the diameter of the flush portion 198 such that there is a stepped shoulder 195 between a base wall 193 of the channel 192 and the flush portion 198. A proximal annular lip 191 of the proximal seal 114 may have a similar diameter to the diameter of the channels 192 at the base wall 193 and may extend proximally as an annular ring from the most proximal rib 196. The ribs 196 may be adapted to engage a cylindrical socket and may have an outer diameter at least slightly larger than the diameter of the socket so as to sealingly engage an inner surface of the socket and prevent fluids or other matter from traveling into the socket and reaching the connector pin 112 or otherwise leaking into the electrical stimulation device.

The proximal seal 114 may include a bore 150 of constant diameter extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The bore 150 may be sized to seal against the outer diameter of the proximal extension 184 of the connector insulator 116. The diameter of the bore 150 may be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the proximal extension 184 of the connector insulator 116. The inner surface 156 of the bore 150 may further be fixed to the proximal extension 184 of the connector insulator 116 by a medical adhesive or other bio-adaptable adhesive equivalent.

In some embodiments, the proximal seal 114 may be made of a resilient material and the diameter of the bore 150 may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal extension 184 of the connector insulator 116 such that the proximal seal may be stretched to receive the connector insulator 116 thereby compressively receiving the connector insulator 116 therein. The proximal seal 114 may be made from a suitably resilient material to compressively seal the proximal end 102 of the lead 100 with the electrical stimulation device. In some embodiments, the seal 114 may be a biocompatible silicone, for example. Still other materials may be selected to suitably seal the proximal end 102 of the lead 100 with the electrical stimulation device and also be compatible with the body.

The insulator tubing 124 shown in FIG. 2 may function to electrically isolate portions of the inner parts from the outer parts. Along some portions of the lead 100, the insulator tubing 124 may function together with the connector insulator 116 to provide the electrical isolation. As shown, conductive portions of each of the inner parts, including the conductor end 162 of the connector pin 112, the inner coil 120, and the pin sleeve 122, may be separated from the outer parts by the inner insulator tubing 124. Near the proximal end of the conductor 120, the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116 also isolates these elements. The insulator tubing 124 may be substantially tube-like in shape defining an inner lumen having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the inner conductor or coil 120. As such, in the case of an active lead, the inner conductor 120 may be relatively free to rotate within the insulator tubing 124. The insulator tubing 124 may be made of an insulating material so as to electrically isolate the enclosed components or features from the components or features outside the tubing 124.

The insulator tubing 124 may include a flared portion 126 at its proximal end for receiving the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116. In some embodiments, the flared portion 126 is expanded to fit over the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116. The flared portion 126 may be held open by the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116 and may help to prevent binding of the inner parts by providing space for the crimp connection. Within the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116, the conductor end 162 of the pin connector 112, the pin sleeve 122, and the proximal end of the conductor or coil 120 may be arranged and thus electrically isolated from components or features outside the portion 126.

Having described the inner parts and the isolation thereof by the insulator tubing 124 and the connector insulator 116, the outer parts may now be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer parts may include the ring connector 130, an outer conductor or coil 134, and a ring sleeve 136.

The ring connector 130 may be configured to provide an exposed surface for electrical communication with an electrical stimulation device. The ring connector 130 may also be configured for axially and rotationally securing the outer parts to the connector insulator 116.

An isolated view of the ring connector 130 is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. The ring connector 130 may include a band portion 204, a slot portion 206, and a crimp portion 208. The band portion 204 may form an exposed conductive band near the proximal end 102 of the lead 100 that is distal to the connector pin 112. The band portion 204 may be configured for electrical communication with a portion of a socket of an electrical stimulation device and the diameter of the band portion 204 may be selected to suitably engage electrical conductors within the socket.

The band portion 204 may be substantially cylindrical in shape with an outer diameter matching that of the central body 182 of the connector insulator 116. The band portion 204 may define an inner cavity 210 configured to receive the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116. More particularly, the inner cavity 210 of the band portion 204 may have a diameter substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the cylindrical inner shoulder surface 127 on the connector insulator 116. As such, the band portion 204 may be sleeved over the flared portion 126 positioned on the distal extension 186 and may frictionally engage the cylindrical inner shoulder surface 127 to secure the ring connector 130 to the connector insulator 116. Additionally or alternatively, the band portion 204 may be bonded to the cylindrical inner shoulder surface 127 with medical adhesive. The band portion 204 may include internal threading 211, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, to increase a bonding area between the band portion 204 of the ring connector 130 and the cylindrical inner shoulder surface 127 of the connector insulator 116, thereby increasing the strength of the bond between the parts. In this manner, the concentric assembly of the several parts of the system may be maintained. The proximal edge of the band portion 204 of the ring connector 130 may thus abut the step surface 132 of the connector insulator 116 causing the outer surface of the band portion 204 to be flush with the central body 182 of the connector insulator 116. The band portion 204 may have a length slightly greater than the length of the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116.

The slot portion 206 of the ring connector 130 is distal relative to the band portion 204 and is positioned intermediate the band portion 204 and the crimp portion 208. The slot portion 206 may be substantially cylindrical in shape with a diameter smaller than the band portion 204. The slot portion 206 may have an inner diameter similar to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insulator tubing 124, whereby the slot portion 206 is configured to engage in a tight fit with the insulator tubing 124. The outer diameter of the slot portion 206 may allow for an inwardly projecting rib 143 from the boot seal 140 to nest therein as further described below. The rib 143 may be held in position longitudinally by two opposing surfaces 242 and 243 defining the boundaries of the slot portion 206. The slot portion 206 may include one or more holes 214 for introduction of adhesive to secure the ring connector 130, the insulator tubing 124, and the boot seal 140 together.

The crimp portion 208 may be arranged distally to the slot portion 206 and may be substantially cylindrical in shape with an outer diameter larger than the slot portion 206 and smaller than the band portion 204. Like the conductor end 162 of the connector pin 112, the crimp portion 208 of the ring connector 130 may be configured for crimping of the outer conductor 134 therein. As such, the crimp portion 208 may define a crimp zone or cavity 216 therein. The cavity or crimp zone 216 may include an inner diameter selected in conjunction with the ring sleeve 136 to suitably crimp the outer conductor 134 therein. That is, the ring sleeve 136 may have an outer diameter and the outer conductor 134 may include a wire thickness. The inner diameter of the crimp zone or cavity 216 may be selected to be equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the ring sleeve 136 plus twice the wire thickness, for example.

Like the inner conductor crimp connection, the material strength, diameter, thickness, and elasticity may be considered when selecting the relative diameters for crimping the outer conductor 134. The crimp portion 206 of the ring connector 130 may have a length equal to or slightly larger than the ring sleeve 136 such that a sufficient length of the outer conductor 134 may be crimped therein. In some embodiments the crimp portion 208 of the ring connector 130 may include circumferentially extending grooves 218 extending around its circumferential outer surface for engagement with the boot seal 140. The crimp portion 208 may also include a hole or a pair of holes 220 for inspecting the crimped conductor 134 within the cavity 216 and confirming the quality of the connection. The holes 220 may extend through the crimp portion 208 from an outer surface and into the cavity 216 and may be positioned near a proximal end of the cavity 216. As such, when the conductor 134 is crimped in the cavity 216, a portion of the conductor 134 may be visible through the hole or holes 220 and the crimp connection may be ascertainable to assure sufficient crimp length.

Like the connector pin 112, the ring connector 130 may be constructed of a bio-compatible conductive material. For example, the ring connector 130 may be made from stainless steel 316L or a metal alloy MP35N. Other materials may also be used and may be selected to provide suitable biocompatibility and conductivity. Additionally, as with the connector pin 112, the material and dimensions (e.g., relative diameters and wall thicknesses) may be selected to suitably allow for a crimp connection to the outer conductor or coil 134 that is both mechanically secure and also effectively transmits electrical signals.

The outer conductor or coil 134 may be the same or similar to the inner conductor or coil 120. However, the outer conductor or coil 134 has a diameter larger than the inner conductor or coil 120. The diameter of the outer conductor or coil 134 may be selected such that the inner conductor or coil 120 and the insulator tubing 124 may be received therein. As such, the outer conductor or coil 134 may have a diameter equal to or slightly greater than an outside diameter of the inner conductor or coil 120 plus twice the thickness of the insulator tubing 124. In some embodiments, the diameter of the outer conductor or coil 134 may be selected to allow non-constricted rotation of the inner coil 120 within the insulator tubing 124 for controlling an active mechanism 106 on a distal end 104 of the lead 100, for example. In other embodiments, the diameter of the outer coil 134 may be more constricting on the insulator tubing 124 and the inner coil 120.

The ring sleeve 136, like the pin sleeve 122 may be configured for crimping the outer conductor or coil 134 within the crimp portion 208 of the ring connector 130. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the ring sleeve 136 may be formed as a cylindrical sleeve portion 222 with a flare or flange portion 224 for controlling the depth within the coil 134 that the ring sleeve 136 extends. The sleeve portion 222 may be substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter slightly larger than an inner diameter of the outer coil 134. As such, when inserted into a proximal end of the outer coil 134, some frictional engagement between the ring sleeve 136 and the outer coil 134 may be provided. The flare or flange portion 224 may be positioned on the proximal end of the sleeve portion 222 and may have an outer diameter larger than that of the sleeve portion 222 for abutting the end of the outer conductor or coil 134 and resisting advancement of the ring sleeve 136 beyond the proximal end of the outer conductor or coil 134. The diameter of the flare or rib 224 may be selected to be slightly less than the inner diameter of the crimp portion 208 of the ring connector 130 so as to avoid inhibiting the pinching or crimping of the coil 134 between the sleeve portion 222 and the inner surface of the crimp portion 208 of the ring connector 130. As discussed with respect to the pin sleeve 122, the shape of the proximal end of the pin sleeve 122 and the ring sleeve 136 may depend in part on the type of raw material used to form the respective part. For example, if tubing is used, the proximal end may be flared, while, if bar stock is used, the proximal end may be more square in cross-section or flange-like. Other geometries may also be provided to stop the sleeves from advancing too far into the proximal end of the respective coils 120, 134.

The boot seal 140 is shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. The boot seal 140 may be configured for encompassing and sealing against the distal end of the ring connector 130 and the proximal end of the outer sheath 152 to prevent entry of fluids. For example, when the proximal end 102 of the lead 100 is inserted into a socket of an electrical stimulation device, the boot seal 140 may prevent fluids or other material from entering the socket and interfering with the ring connector 130 or other portions of the electrical stimulation device. As such, the boot seal 140, like the proximal seal 114, may have one or more annular, radially-extending sealing ribs 144 protruding from its outer surface at its proximal end. The sealing ribs 144 may be adapted to engage a cylindrical socket and may have an outer diameter at least slightly larger than the diameter of the socket so as to sealingly engage an inner surface of the socket and prevent fluids or other matter from traveling into the socket and reaching the ring connector 130 or otherwise leaking into the electrical stimulation device. The boot seal 140 may be relatively long with a cylindrical shaft portion 142 that extends distally from the sealing ribs 144 and may provide a grip for the surgeon or other installer for handling the proximal end 102 of the lead 100. The cylindrical shaft portion 142 may taper radially inward at the distal end of the boot seal 140 to form a chamfered portion 148.

The boot seal 140 may define a bore 141 extending from its proximal end to its distal end. The diameter of the bore may vary along the length of the seal 140. The diameter of a proximal section 145 of the bore 141 may be sized to house the crimp portion 208 of the ring connector 130. Moving distally, the diameter of the bore 141 throughout a medial section 146 may be reduced and may be sized just slightly larger than the outer diameter of the outer coil 134. Moving still further distally, the diameter of a distal section 147 of the bore 141 may again be enlarged with respect to the medial section 146. In this distal bore section 147, the boot seal 140 may be enlarged to receive the outer insulating sheath 152 and for the application of a lead label and/or serial number. The bore 141 within the chamfered portion 148 at the distal end of the boot seal 140 may also be tapered slightly radially inward to form a tapered seal portion 149 that creates the fluid tight seal around the outer sheath 152. The proximal end of the boot seal 140 may define an annular securing rib 143 protruding inwardly for positioning in the slot portion 206 of the ring connector 130, thereby securing the axial position of the boot seal 140. Like the proximal seal 114, the boot seal 140 may be made from a biocompatible silicone to resiliently engage and seal the lead 100 relative to the electrical stimulation device. Other materials may also be used.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the assembled proximal end of the lead may be described. As shown, the electrically conductive connector pin 112 may extend through and may be rotatably disposed in a center bore 150 of a proximal seal 114 and a center bore 118 of a connector insulator 116. The bar portion 164 of the connector pin 112 may be arranged in the center bore 118 of the connector insulator 116. The bar portion 164 may be separated from the inner surface of the center bore 150 by the proximal extension 184 of the connector insulator 116. As such, an inner surface 154 of the connector insulator 116 may provide rotational bearing for the connector pin 112 such that the connector pin 112 may rotate relative to the connector insulator 116 and proximal seal 114. Rotation of the connector pin 112 may drive rotation of the inner coil 120, thereby rotating the helical anchor electrode 108 of the active electrode tip 106 disposed at the distal end 104 of the lead 100. It is appreciated that other suitable rotatable connection structures may be used between the inner coil 120 and the connector pin 112.

The electrically conductive inner conductor or coil 120 may be crimped to the conductor end 162 of the connector pin 112 in conjunction with the pin sleeve 122. The inner insulator tubing 124 may extend over the inner coil 120 and the flared portion 126 thereof may be sleeved onto the distal extension 186 of the connector insulator 116 to abut the inner shoulder 190 of the cascading shoulders and having an outer surface substantially flush with the cylindrical outer surface 127 of the inner shoulder 190. As such, the connector pin 112, the crimp connection, and the inner coil 120 may be substantially fully insulated along its length by the connector insulator 116 and the insulator tubing 124. However, the inner conductor 120 may be exposed via an electrode at the distal end 104 for treatment and the connector pin 112 may be exposed at the proximal end 102 for electrical communication with an electrical stimulation device. The proximal seal 114 may be arranged on the connector insulator 116 and the outwardly projecting ribs 196 may engage a socket on an electrical stimulation device to prevent fluid or other liquid from contacting with the connector pin 112.

The band portion 204 of the ring connector 130 may extend over the flared portion 126 of the insulator tubing 124 and may abut the outer shoulder 188 of the cascading shoulders on the connector insulator 116. As shown, the outer surface of the band portion 204 of the ring connector 130 may be flush with the outer surface 129 of the central body 182 of the connector insulator 116. The outer conductor or outer coil 134 may be arranged to sleevably receive the inner coil 120 and insulator tubing 124. The outer conductor or coil 134 may be crimped to the ring connector 130 by a ring sleeve 136, thereby electrically connecting to the ring connector 130. The boot seal 140 may be positioned over the outer coil 134 and an inwardly protruding rib 143 thereof may engage a slot portion 206 of the ring connector thereby securing the position of the boot seal 140 relative to the ring connector 130. The crimped outer coil 134 and portions of the ring connector 130 may be disposed within a center bore 141 of the boot seal 140. Like the proximal seal 114, the radially projecting ribs 144 of the boot seal 140 may engage a socket on an electrical stimulation device to prevent body fluid or other liquid from contacting the ring connector 130 or otherwise entering the electrical stimulation device.

Accordingly, the connector pin 112 may be electrically connected to the inner coil 120, and the ring connector 130 may be electrically connected to the outer coil 134. In operation of the lead 100, electrical signals may be sent from the proximal end 102 to the distal end 104 via the connector pin 112 and the inner coil 120, and via the ring connector 130 and the outer coil 134. The inner coil 120 may be electrically insulated from the outer coil 134 by the inner insulator tubing 124. The ring connector 130 may be electrically insulated from the inner coil 120 by the inner insulator tubing 124 and the connector insulator 116. The connector pin 112 may be electrically insulated from the ring connector 130 by the proximal seal 114 and the connector insulator 116. The connector pin 112 may be prevented from contacting fluid or other liquid by the sealing ribs 196 of the proximal seal 114. The ring connector 130 may be prevented from being in contact with fluid or other liquid by the sealing ribs 144 of the boot seal 140.

The active electrode tip 106 at the distal end 104 of the lead 100 is depicted in FIG. 10A and in cross section in FIGS. 10B and 10C. The active electrode tip 106 may be considered to be composed of several primary components: a ring electrode 103, a tip electrode pin 105, a helical anchor electrode 108, an intermediate connection mount 109, a tip housing 110, and a soft tip plug 117. Additional components may include a marker band 111, a spacer/stopper 113, and a distal seal 115 A proximal end of the ring electrode 103 is electrically and mechanically connected to the distal end of the outer conductor coil 134. The proximal end of the tip electrode pin 105 is electrically and mechanically connected to the distal end of the inner conductor coil 120. The distal end of the tip electrode pin 105 is connected to the proximal end of the helical anchor electrode 108. The intermediate connection mount 109 connects the ring electrode 103 to the tip housing 110 to form an outer surface of the active electrode tip 106. The proximal portion of the tip electrode pin 105 and the helical anchor electrode 108 are substantially encased within the tip housing 110 when the helical anchor electrode 108 is in a retracted state. When the helical anchor electrode 108 is advanced as shown in FIG. 10C and further described below, the distal tip of the helical anchor electrode 108 protrudes beyond the soft tip plug 117 in the distal end of the tip housing 110.

An exemplary embodiment of the tip electrode pin 105 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The tip electrode pin 105 may be made of a solid conducting material and is generally cylindrical in shape with a number of shaft sections separated by a number of annular flanges. The tip electrode pin 105 may be made, for example, of stainless steel (e.g., 316L), a precious metal (e.g., platinum or iridium), or a metal alloy (e.g., Pt/Ir or MP35N), or another electrically conductive, biocompatible material. At the proximal end, a proximal shaft section 302 of a first diameter is provided. The proximal shaft section 302 is the section of the tip electrode pin 105 that engages the inner conductor coil 120 as will be described in further detail below. The proximal shaft section 302 transitions at a squared shoulder to a larger diameter annular step 303. At the distal edge of the annular step 303, an angled annular wall 305 gradually increases in diameter from the annular step 303 until it intersects a proximal face of a proximal annular flange 307 that functions as a proximal stop feature as further described below. The proximal annular flange 307 is cylindrical and has an outer diameter that is greater than the largest diameter of the angled annular wall 305.

A medial shaft section 304 may be substantially the same diameter and length as the proximal shaft section 302 extends distally from the proximal annular flange 307 and terminates upon intersecting with a proximal face of a medial annular flange 310 that functions, in part, as a distal stop feature as further described below. The medial annular flange 310 is cylindrical and may have an outer diameter that is greater than the inner diameter of the spacer/stopper ring 113. The medial annular flange 310 may transition distally into a seal shaft section 306 about which a seal ring 115 may be fitted as shown in FIG. 10B and as further described below. The seal shaft section 306 may be of substantially the same diameter as each of the proximal and medial shaft sections 302, 303, but of a substantially shorter length. The seal shaft section 306 may further transition into a cylindrical distal annular flange 312 that is of both a greater outer diameter and a greater longitudinal thickness than the medial annular flange 310. The distal annular flange 312 further transitions into a distal shaft section 308 that is of a greater diameter than the prior shaft sections, but of a smaller diameter than each of the annular flanges. The distal shaft section 308 of the tip electrode pin 105 is the part that directly connects with the proximal end of the helical anchor 108. The distal end of the distal shaft section 308 may have a chamfered edge as shown in FIG. 11 that transitions into a flat tip face 311. The distal shaft section 308 and the distal annular flange 312 may be exposed to the patient's blood when the lead 100 is implanted in vivo.

An exemplary embodiment of the helical anchor 108 is depicted in isolation in FIG. 12 and in conjunction with the tip electrode pin 105 in FIG. 13. The helical anchor 108 acts as both a conductor and as a fixation structure to anchor the lead 100 into the endocardium within a chamber of the heart. The helical anchor 108 may be made of a solid conducting material, for example, a Platinum/Iridium alloy or another strong, electrically-conductive, biocompatible material formed in a coil shape, with sufficient strength to penetrate into the heart tissue and fix the lead 100 in position for sensing and pacing. The helical anchor 108 may have a proximal connecting section 314, a helical section 316, and a distal end 318. The proximal connecting section 314 may be formed with a close winding 315 at the proximal end where the terminal end of the first winding is adjacent to and in contact with the beginning of the second winding before the windings begin to space apart in a helical shape. The close winding 315 in the proximal connecting section 314 provides for a sufficient surface area contact between the helical anchor 108 and the tip electrode pin 105 to form a strong welded connection as discussed below. The helical section 316 extends distally from the proximal connecting section 314 and the windings in this section take on a helical form. The helical anchor 108 terminates at the distal end 318 in a sharp tip 317 that is able to penetrate and lodge within the endocardial tissue when the helical anchor 108 is rotated like a corkscrew and advances distally out of the active electrode tip 106.

Although not depicted in FIG. 13, the steroid capsule 107 shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C may be placed within the lumen of the helical anchor electrode 108. The steroid capsule 107 may be formed as a cylindrical plug sized to fit snugly within the helical anchor electrode 108. The steroid capsule 107 may be any of a number of steroids (e.g., dexamethasone) or medicaments prepared in a binder for timed release after implantation of the lead 100 in order to promote healing of any trauma caused by placement of the lead 100 or to deliver a desirable drug for efficacy within the heart. The steroid capsule 107 may be adhered within the windings of the helical anchor electrode 108 with a biocompatible adhesive to ensure that the steroid capsule 107 does not dislodge before completely eluting.

The proximal end of the tip electrode pin 105 is positioned within the intermediate connection mount 109, which is depicted in isolation in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The intermediate connection mount 109 may be understood as a tube-like structure having three primary sections: a proximal fitting 370, a distal fitting 374, and a medial separator 372 located between the proximal and distal fittings 370, 374. The intermediate connection mount 109 defines an axial lumen therethrough from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal fitting 370 is configured to receive the distal end of the insulating tubing 124 surrounding the inner conductor coil 120. The proximal fitting 370 is formed with a tapered slope 371 on the outer diameter thereof increasing in diameter as the tapered slope 371 extends distally. The tapered slope 371 then transitions into a first of two arcuate channels 375 separated from each other by an arcuate ridge 373. The arcuate ridge 373 may be designed to have substantially the same outer diameter as the distal terminus of the tapered slope 371 while the outer diameter of the base of the arcuate channels 375 is less than the outer diameter of the arcuate ridge 373. The distal arcuate channel 375 transitions into a proximal landing 377 that is an annular surface with substantially the same diameter as the diameter of the arcuate ridge 373.

The proximal landing 377 interfaces with a proximal abutting surface 379, which is essentially a square shoulder of the medial separator 372, which is formed as a large cylindrical flange 380 with a flat, annular outer surface. The distal side of the cylindrical flange 380 may also form a square shoulder that provides a distal abutting surface 381 that intersects with a distal landing 382, which is a smooth, annular surface adjacent the cylindrical flange 380. The outer diameter of the distal landing 382 may be substantially the same as the outer diameter of the proximal landing 377. The distal landing 382 begins the distal fitting 374 of the intermediate connection mount 109. A plurality of alternating shallow channels 385 of arcuate cross section and flat ribs 383 of substantially the same diameter as the distal landing 382 form the majority of the rest of the distal fitting 374 until a tip landing 386 is reached. The tip landing 384 may have a smooth, annular, outer surface and may be of substantially the same outer diameter as each of the distal landing 382 and the flat ribs 383. The tip landing 384 may transition to an annular chamfered tip 386 that further transitions into a flat face 387 at the distal end.

The lumen within the intermediate connection mount 109 may be formed in two parts, a proximal lumen 376 and a distal lumen 378. The proximal lumen 376 may be of smaller inner diameter than the distal lumen 378. A chamfered step 388 within the sidewall of the lumen may be used to transition from the narrower proximal lumen 376 to the wider distal lumen 378.

An exemplary embodiment of the ring electrode 103 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The ring electrode 103 is generally tubular in shape with various cylindrical sections of varying diameter. A smooth, cylindrical proximal sleeve 350 forms the proximal end of the ring electrode 103 and is sized in length and diameter to fit within the distal end of the outer connector coil 134 and may be laser welded thereto or otherwise securely mechanically attached to form a permanent mechanical and electrical connection. The proximal end of the proximal sleeve 350 may be formed with a proximal chamfered edge 367 that transitions to a proximal flat face 368. An adhesive channel 352 is formed distally adjacent the proximal sleeve 350 and is defined by a proximal curb 351 and a distal curb 353. The proximal curb 351 and the distal curb 353 may be of the same diameter, which may be slightly larger in diameter than the proximal sleeve 350. The adhesive channel 352 may be substantially the same diameter as the proximal sleeve 350. The proximal curb 351 may separate the proximal sleeve from the adhesive channel 352. The diameters of the proximal and distal curbs 351, 353 are selected to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the outer sheath 152 and the surfaces of the proximal and distal curbs 351, 353 are rough in order to increase the bonding strength with the outer sheath 152. The adhesive channel 352 may define one or more adhesive apertures 354 (two are shown in the exemplary embodiment) in order to introduce a biocompatible adhesive into the channel 352 to bond the ring electrode 103 to the outer sheath 152.

The ring electrode 103 may transition from the adhesive channel 352 via a proximal shoulder 355 adjacent the distal curb 353 to an exposed section 356 of a greater outer diameter. The exposed section 356 is smooth and cylindrical in shape and is not covered or insulated from the patient's blood or tissue. The ring electrode 103 may be made of stainless steel (e.g., 316L), a precious metal (e.g., platinum or iridium), or a metal alloy (e.g., Pt/Ir or MP35N), or another electrically conductive, biocompatible material. The exposed section 356 may be coated with TiN to increase the surface area and thereby achieve a better sensing signal. The distal end of the exposed section 356 transitions with a distal chamfered edge 357 to terminate at a distal flat face 360.

The ring electrode 103 may also define a lumen of two different bore sizes. A proximal bore 362 is sized to be of a slightly larger diameter than the insulating tubing 124 surrounding the inner conductor coil 120 to provide clearance for its passage therethrough. A distal bore 364 is sized to be slightly larger than proximal fitting 370 of the intermediate connection mount 109 to surround the outer diameter of the insulating tubing 124 sleeved thereon. While the proximal bore wall 366 is smooth, the wall of the distal bore 364 may be formed with a series of flat annular ribs 358 separated from each other by a series of grooved annular channels 359. A smooth annular landing 361 is formed within the distal bore 364 proximally adjacent the last grooved annular channel 359. An angled wall 363 is formed proximally adjacent the annular landing 361 to provide the transition to the smaller diameter of the proximal bore 362. A pair of adhesive canals 365 is formed within the proximal bore wall 366 between each of the adhesive apertures 354 and the angled wall 363. The adhesive canals 365 are thus recessed areas within the proximal bore wall 366 that also result in a lower height of the angled wall 363 at its intersection with the proximal bore 362 at the locations of the adhesive canals.

FIG. 16 depicts the spacer/stopper ring 113 that fits around the distal portion of the tip electrode pin 105 beyond the distal end of the intermediate connector mount 109. The spacer/stopper 113 may be formed as a C-shaped body 390 of generally cylindrical form, but that defines a cylindrical aperture 391 aligned along the center axis and a gap 392 in the otherwise annular wall to form the C-shape. The gap 392 allows the spacer/stopper 113 to be easily placed about the medial shaft section 304 of the tip electrode pin 105 adjacent the medial annular flange 310. The spacer/stopper ring 113 may be made of a material that is flexible and resilient enough to allow the gap 392 to be enlarged to fit around the medial shaft section 304 during assembly and then return to its original size and C-shape. The cylindrical aperture 391 is thus substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the medial shaft section 304 so that it can easily seat thereon. The gap 392 should be narrower than the outer diameter of the medial shaft section 304 such that once the spacer/stopper 113 is placed on the medial shaft section 304, it will not slide off.

FIGS. 17A and 17B depict an exemplary embodiment of the seal ring 115 in isolation. The seal ring 115 is formed as a generally annular body 394 defining a lumen axially therethrough. The seal ring 115 may be made of an elastomeric material that is flexible and resilient enough to fit over the distal shaft section and the distal annular flange 312 of the tip electrode pin 105 such that the seal ring 115 can seat about the seal shaft section 306 on the tip electrode pin 105. The annular body 394 has a flat proximal face 395 and a flat distal face 397 and a curved radial wall 393. The outer diameter at the edge of the distal face 397 and the radial wall 393 is larger than the outer diameter at the edge of the proximal face 395 and the radial wall 393. Thus, the outer diameter of the annular body 394 decreases from the distal face 397 to the proximal face 395 following the curve of the radial wall 393. The distal face 397 also transitions from a flat surface to a radius entrance 398 to the lumen. The radius entrance 398 transitions to a cylindrical section 399 part way through the lumen and maintains the cylindrical form until the lumen exits the proximal face 395

An exemplary embodiment of the tip housing 110 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 18A and 18B. The tip housing 110 may be generally cylindrical in shape with a long tubular sheath 324 of a substantially constant outer diameter along its length. The tubular sheath 324 may define an axial lumen therethrough from the proximal end to the distal end. Two retention apertures 330 may be formed through the wall of the tubular sheath 324 adjacent the distal end and at symmetrically opposite locations thereon. The tip housing 110 may be formed of a resilient biocompatible material (e.g., polyether ether ketone (PEEK) or polysulfone) in order to be fitted over the intermediate connection mount and retained thereon.

At a proximal end, the lumen may define a sleeve bore 328 of relatively larger diameter with respect to the rest of the lumen 326 that is sized in both diameter and length to sleeve over and create a fluid-tight connection with the distal fitting 374 of the intermediate connection mount 109. The proximal end of the tubular sheath 324 may provide a chamfered entrance 325 to the sleeve bore 328. The sleeve bore 328 transitions at a squared sleeve shoulder 329 to a relatively long middle bore 332 of a narrower inner diameter that is sized to extend primarily over the helical section 316 of the helical anchor electrode 108. The middle bore 332 also acts as a sealing section to form a fluid-tight seal with the seal ring 115 as further described below. An anchor guide 336 protrudes from a wall of the middle bore 332 at the distal end thereof and extends radially inward into the lumen 326. The anchor guide 336 may be sized to fit between adjacent windings of the helical anchor electrode 108 and extend a distance slightly greater than a diameter (thickness) of the windings of the helical anchor electrode 108. As shown in the exemplary embodiment, the anchor guide 336 is aligned longitudinally with one of the retention apertures 330; however, it may be located at any position about the circumference of the middle bore 332.

The middle bore 332 may transition into a tip bore 338 of a larger inner diameter via a stepped structure including a squared shoulder 333 that increases the lumen diameter slightly to an annular shelf 337, which further transitions to a shelf shoulder 335 that ultimately extends the lumen radially to the diameter of the tip bore 338. The retention apertures 330 described above are positioned within the tip bore 338 in the lumen 326. Additionally, a pair of guide walls 334 extend into the tip bore 338 as extensions of the middle bore 332. The guide walls 334 are arcuate in form, are symmetrically opposed from each other within the tip bore 338, may be generally rectangular in projection of their perimeter boundaries, and a separation distance between opposing points on the guide walls 334 is the same as the diameter of the middle bore 332. The guide walls 334 are spaced apart from the wall of the tip bore 338 by respective retention posts 331 centered on the outer sides of the guide walls 334. The retention posts 331 connect the guide walls 334 to the wall defining the tip bore 338 and define the separation distance between the two. The retention posts 331 may be cylindrical in shape and spaced apart from the annular shelf 337 such that there is void space on all sides of the retention posts 331 between the guide walls 334 and the wall defining the tip bore 338. The retention posts 331 may be formed on the inner wall of the tubular sheath 324 defining the tip bore 338 symmetrically opposite each other and equidistant from the retention apertures 330 such that there is a 90° separation between adjacent retention apertures 330 and retention posts 331.

An exemplary embodiment of a marker band 111 is shown in isolation in FIG. 19. The marker band 111 may be formed of a radiopaque material, e.g., a Pt/Ir alloy or a thermoplastic compound suitable for injection-molding and having an opacity to X-rays more than sufficient to guarantee shielding comparable to that of a metal. The marker band 111 provides a mark for a physician to identify under fluoroscopy the location of the distal end 104 of the active electrode tip 106 and allows the physician to determine whether the helical anchor electrode 108 is at retracted position or extension position or in between by comparing the position of the helical anchor electrode 108 to the marker band 111. The marker band 111 may be formed as an annular wall 320 defining a cylindrical lumen 312. The outer diameter of the annular wall 320 may be congruent with the inner diameter of the tip bore 338 of the tip housing 110 within which the marker band 111 resides and is formed as described further below. The thickness of the annular wall 320 is such that the diameter of the cylindrical lumen 321 is congruent with the diameter of the annular shelf 337. The annular wall 320 further defines four sidewall retention holes 322 that are spaced 90° apart for alignment with respective ones of the retention posts 331 and retention apertures 330 on the tip housing 110.

FIGS. 20A and 20B depict an exemplary embodiment of the soft tip plug 117, which fits within and connects to the tip bore 338 of the tip housing 110. The soft tip plug 117 may be formed of a molded, biocompatible, elastomeric material designed to minimize trauma to vasculature and tissue, including lead perforation, as the lead 100 is positioned for implantation. In some embodiments, the soft tip plug 117 may be coated with a steroid (e.g., dexamethasone) for relieving inflammation at the implant location or with other medicinal agents. The soft tip plug 117 may be composed of an exposed section 340 and a retention section 342 extending proximally from the exposed section 340. The exposed section 340 may be formed as a ring defining a tip lumen 344 and defined by a smooth annular edge 341, a flat proximal face 349, a flat distal face 345, and a chamfered face 343 transitioning between the annular edge 341 and the distal face 345.

The retention section 342 of the soft tip plug 117 may be primarily composed of a pair of arcuate walls 346 a/b that extend proximally from the proximal face 349 of the exposed section 340. The arcuate walls 346 a/be may be arranged symmetrically opposite each other about the tip lumen 344 and are separated at lateral edges by a pair of gaps 347 a/b. The tip lumen 344 may be of constant diameter through each of the exposed section 340 and the retention section 342. The outer diameter of the arcuate walls 346 a/b may be congruent with the inner diameter of the tip bore 338 such that the arcuate walls 346 a/b may be received within the tip bore 338. The diameter of the annular edge 341 may be congruent with the outer diameter of the tip housing 110 such that the exposed section 340 smoothly transitions into the tip housing 110. A pair of retention plugs 348 a/b may be formed on the outer surfaces of respective annular walls 346 a/b and extend radially therefrom to a height congruent with the annular edge 341. The retention plugs 348 a/b are configured to fit within the retention apertures 330 in the tip housing 110 to retain the soft ip plug 117 within the distal bore 330 of the tip housing 110.

Since the lead 100 is bipolar, two electrical connections must be made between the proximal end 102 and the distal end 104. The inner conductor coil 120 and the outer conductor coil 134 provide the electrical connection between the proximal end 102 and distal end 104 of the lead 100. As shown in FIG. 10B, the inner conductor coil 120 fits over the proximal shaft section 302 of the tip electrode pin 105 to abut the annular step 303 and is laser welded circumferentially to the proximal shaft section. On the distal end of the tip electrode pin 105, the helical anchor electrode 108 is place upon and also laser welded (e.g., by spot welding) to the distal shaft section 108 to complete a connection with the inner conductor coli 120 and provide an electrical impulse current to the heart.

The proximal shaft section 302 of the tip electrode pin 105 and corresponding connection with the inner conductor coil 120 reside within the proximal lumen 376 of the intermediate connection mount 109. The diameter of the proximal lumen 376 is larger than the diameter of the inner conductor coil 120 when sleeved over the proximal shaft section 302, thereby allowing the tip electrode pin 105 and attached inner conductor coil 120 to freely rotate within the proximal lumen of the intermediate connection mount 109. The angled annular wall 305 of the tip electrode pin 105 interfaces with the chamfered step 388 within the intermediate connection mount 109 to provide an axial alignment interface and opposing bearing surfaces to allow for rotation of the inner conductor coil 120 and the tip electrode pin 105 within the intermediate connection mount 109. The insulating tubing (e.g., silicon) covering substantially the entire length of inner conductor coil 120 from the proximal end 102 of the lead 100 through the outer sheath 152 may be expanded and flared upon reaching the tapered end 371 of the intermediate connection mount 109 to sleeve over the proximal fitting 370 until it abuts the proximal abutting surface 379. A fluid-tight friction fit is thus formed between the insulating tubing 124 and the proximal fitting 370 of the intermediate connection mount 109. Electrical insulation is thus provided between the inner conductor coil 120 and the outer conductor coil 134 along the entire length of the lead.

The outer conductor coil 134 is designed to sleeve over the proximal sleeve 350 of the ring electrode 103 with mild radial expansion until it abuts the proximal curb 351 and is then laser welded circumferentially to the proximal sleeve, whereby electrical impulses from the heart can be sensed by the ring electrode 103 and transmitted through the lead 100 to a base unit for monitoring and processing. The diameter of the proximal bore 366 of the proximal sleeve 350 is larger than the diameter of the inner conductor coil 120 and the insulating tubing 124, thereby allowing the insulating tubing 124 and inner conductor coil 120 to freely fit within and move proximally and distally as the helical anchor electrode 108 is extended and retracted into and out of the distal tip 106.

The exposed section of the ring electrode 103 is sleeved over the distal end of insulating tubing 124, which is stretched over the proximal fitting 370 of the intermediate connection mount 109. Medical adhesive applied within the adhesive apertures 354 may travel within the adhesive canals 365 in the ring electrode 103 to flow along the outer surface of the insulating tubing 124 and within the threading (the annular ribs and grooved channels 358, 359) of the distal bore 364. The medical adhesive bonds the ring electrode 103 to the insulating tubing 124 and thereby the to intermediate connector mount underneath. The threading in the distal bore 364 increase the bonding area and thereby the strength of the bond with the insulating tubing 124. The outer sheath 152 is sleeved over the distal end of the outer conductor coil 134 and further over the proximal and distal curbs 351, 353 of the ring electrode 103 until it abuts the outer shoulder. Medical adhesive within the adhesive channel between the proximal and distal curbs 351, 353 bonds the outer sheath 152 to the proximal end of the ring electrode 103.

In addition to the helical anchor electrode 108, the spacer/stopper ring 113 and the seal ring 115 are mounted on the distal end of the tip electrode pin 105 that extends distally beyond the distal fitting 374 of the intermediate connection mount 109. The spacer/stopper ring 113 is placed about the medial shaft section 304 of the tip electrode pin 105 adjacent the medial annular flange 310. The spacer/stopper 113 may be made of an electrically insulating material to reduce potential electrode electrical “chatter” that is known to occur in prior art designs with metallic components used in the control of advancement and retraction. For example, the spacer/stopper 113 may be made of polyethylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or polysulfone, and may have a hardness of Shore 80 in order to provide appropriate flexibility to fit around the medial shaft section 304 and appropriate resiliency to be retained thereon. The diameter of the spacer/stopper 113 is slightly less than the inner diameter of the tip housing 110 in which it and the helical anchor electrode 108 are ultimately housed. In this manner, as the helical anchor electrode 108 is advanced out of and retracted into the tip electrode 106, the spacer/stopper 113 can slide within the sleeve bore 328 of the tip housing 110 and around the medial shaft section 304 of the tip electrode pin 105 while helping maintain axial alignment of the helical anchor electrode 108 within the tip housing 110.

The distal and proximal travel of the helical anchor electrode 108 is limited by the spacer/stopper 113 in combination with the proximal annular flange 307 and the medial annular flange 310. The spacer/stopper 113 interfaces with the flat face 387 of the distal fitting 374 of the intermediate connection mount 109 when pushed upon by the medial annular flange 310 to arrest proximal travel of the helical anchor electrode 108. The spacer/stopper 113 also interfaces with the sleeve shoulder 329 between the sleeve bore 328 and the narrower diameter middle bore 332 of the tip housing 110 when pushed by the proximal annular flange 307 to arrest distal travel of the helical anchor electrode 108.

The seal ring 115 is stretched over the distal annular flange 312 to reside on the seal shaft section 306 between the medial and distal annular flanges 310, 312. The seal ring 115 is positioned within the middle bore 332 of the tip housing 110 and is configured to interface with the inner wall defining the middle bore 332 to provide a fluid-tight seal. The inner diameter of the cylindrical section 391 is designed to fit against the seal shaft section 306. The radius entrance 398 to the center aperture 396 from the distal side of the seal ring 115 helps reinforce the seal with respect to the seal shaft section 306 on the tip electrode pin 105 as well as provide for easy release of the core molding pin during manufacturing. The angled design of the radial wall 393 on the outer diameter also helps reinforce the seal against the middle bore 332. The seal ring 115 remains within and travels along a length of the middle bore 332 for all positions of the helical anchor electrode 108 and as it is advanced or retracted, thereby maintaining the fluid-tight seal at all times while also providing for a low friction force on the middle bore 332.

The marker band 111 may be molded separately and then insert molded into the tip bore 338 during the molding process for the tip housing 110. Two opposing ones of the four sidewall retention holes 322 are positioned to allow molding material of the tip housing 110 to flow into and around the marker band 111, thus providing a form for the retention posts 331, the outer diameter of the guide walls 334, the diameter for the tip bore 338 and the shelf shoulder 335 of the tip housing 110. The marker band 111 is thereby held in place within the tip bore 338 by the retention posts 331. The other two sidewall retention holes 322 remain clear during the insert molding process, are aligned with the retention apertures 330 formed in the tip housing 110, and are provided for accepting the two retention plugs 348 a/b of the soft tip plug 117.

The soft tip plug 117 also fits within the tip bore 338 such that the arcuate walls 346 a/b fit between the guide walls 334 in the tip bore 338 of the tip housing 110. The retention plugs 348 a/b fit within the retention holes 322 of the marker band 111 and the retention apertures 330 of the tip housing 111 to retain the soft tip plug 117 on the distal end of the tip housing 110. The complicated geometry of the bond between the soft tip plug 117 and the tip housing 110 is configured to be sufficiently strong to carry any mechanical loads during implantation and ensure long term life in the heart. In some implementations, the soft tip plug 117 may receive a steroid capsule (e.g., dexamethasone) or other medicament.

The sleeve bore 328 of the tip housing 110 fits over and bonds to the distal fitting 374 of the intermediate connection mount 109. The tip housing 110 may be bonded to the distal fitting 374 with a friction fit, medical adhesive, or both to ensure that the tip housing 110 is permanently affixed to the lead 100. The tip housing 110 provides a housing for the helical anchor electrode 108 in the retracted position during lead insertion in the patient. Once the distal end 104 of the lead is in place, the tip housing 110 provides several features central to the functionality of the implantation of the helical anchor electrode 108 into myocardial tissue. As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, the anchor guide 336 in the tip housing 110 is positioned between adjacent windings of the helical anchor electrode 108. In order to extend or advance the helical anchor electrode 108 beyond the soft tip plug 117, the physician rotates the connector pin 112 at the proximal end 102 of the lead 100 clockwise. The rotational motion of the connector pin 112 is translated along the length of the inner conductor coil 120 to the tip electrode pin 105, which further translates the rotation to the helical anchor electrode 108. Because the anchor guide 336 is positioned between the windings of the helical anchor electrode 108, the helical anchor electrode 108 is advanced distally as it rotates rather than merely rotating in a constant longitudinal position.

As the connector pin 112 is rotated by the physician, the tip electrode pin 105 advances distally within the intermediate connection mount 109 and the tip housing 110 as the helical anchor electrode 108 interfacing with the anchor guide 336 functions as a worm drive. The medial shaft section 304 of the tip electrode pin 105 slides through the cylindrical aperture 391 of the spacer/stopper 113 until the proximal annular flange 307 reaches the spacer/stopper 113 and begins to push it distally. The tip electrode pin 105, and thus the helical anchor electrode 108 are able to advance distally because the inner conductor coil 120 is a coil and can thus expand slightly along its length as the helical anchor electrode 108 advances with respect to the anchor guide 336, which remains in a stationary position within the tip housing 110. The extension of the helical anchor electrode 108 is arrested when the spacer/stopper 113 interfaces with the sleeve shoulder 329 of the tip sleeve 110 as shown in FIG. 10C and blocks further distal advancement of the proximal annular flange 307 of the tip electrode pin 105. At this point, the helical anchor electrode 108 should be sufficiently embedded within the endocardial tissue to hold the active electrode tip 106 permanently in place without completely perforating the wall of the heart.

If the helical anchor electrode 108 needs to be retracted, e.g., for repositioning or removal of the lead 100, the physician can rotate the connector pin 112 counterclockwise at the proximal end 102 of the lead 100. This counterclockwise movement is translated along the length of the inner conductor coil 120 to the tip electrode pin 105, which further translates the rotation to the helical anchor electrode 108. Because the anchor guide 336 is positioned between the windings of the helical anchor electrode 108, the helical anchor electrode 108 acts as a worm drive and is retracted proximally as it rotates rather than merely rotating in a constant longitudinal position. The retraction of the helical anchor electrode 108 is arrested when the spacer/stopper 113 interfaces with the distal fitting 374 of the intermediate connection mount 109 and blocks further proximal movement of the medial annular flange 310 of the tip electrode pin 105. At this point, the helical anchor electrode 108 should be fully retracted and housed within the tip housing 110 and no further retraction is necessary. In this way, the windings of the helical anchor electrode 108 remain engaged with the anchor guide 336. If the helical anchor electrode 108 were to be retracted too far such that there was no longer an interface with the anchor guide 336, the helical anchor electrode 108 could not be advanced or retracted and would merely rotate in the same longitudinal position.

With reference to FIGS. 21, 22A, 22B, 22C, 23A, and 23B, an alternative proximal end of the lead of FIG. 1 is provided with a snap-fit connection between the connector insulator 716 and the ring connector 730. The connector insulator 716 and the ring connector 730 are designed to snap together to axially secure the parts together. The snap engagement may improve the mechanical strength of the connection joint between the components. Additionally or alternatively, the snap engagement may eliminate the use of medical adhesive or other bio-compatible glue for connecting the connector insulator 716 and the ring connector 730. Optionally, in some implementations, medical adhesive may be used to further enhance the joint strength and seal an air gap between the connector insulator 716 and the ring connector 730.

As shown in FIGS. 22A through 22C, the connector insulator 716 includes similar features as the connector insulator 116 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B except the connector insulator 716 includes at least one tab 705 extending radially outward from the inner shoulder surface 727, which may form part of the distal extension 786. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the connector insulator 716 includes three tabs 705 evenly spaced about the periphery of the inner shoulder surface 727. The tabs 705 are positioned about a distal portion of the inner shoulder surface 727, thereby defining an annular recess 707 located proximally of the tabs 705. The tabs 705 each include a chamfered distal surface 709, a substantially square proximal shoulder 713, and a curved surface 711 located intermediate the chamfered surface 709 and the square shoulder 713. The curved surfaces 711 of the three tabs 705 follow the curve of a cylinder axially aligned with a center longitudinal axis of the connector insulator 716. The interface between the chamfered surface 709 and the curved surface 711 may be arcuate, curved, or rounded. The annular recess 707 is defined by the inner shoulder surface 727, which serves as a base wall for the recess 707. The inner shoulder surface or base wall 727 of the recess 707 is positioned between the square proximal shoulder 713 and an opposing, radially-extending sidewall 732. The outer diameter of the tabs 705 is greater than the inner diameter of annular recess 707 and may be less than the diameter of the outer surface 729 of the central body 782.

As shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the ring connector 730 includes similar features as the ring connector 130 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B except the proximal end of the ring connector 730 includes an annular groove 821. The annular groove 821 is positioned axially between a proximal retaining shoulder 823 and a distal limit shoulder 825. The proximal retaining shoulder 823 may be substantially perpendicular relative to a groove wall 827, and the distal limit shoulder 825 may be angled or ramped relative to the groove wall 827. Thus, the distal limit shoulder 825 may be angled relative to the proximal retaining shoulder 823. The groove 821 is configured to receive the at least one tab 805 of the connector insulator 716.

The proximal end of the ring connector 730 also includes a radially inturned lip 831 located proximally of the groove 821. The radially inturned lip 831 has an inner cylindrical surface 862 located intermediate the retaining shoulder 823 and the proximal flat face 860. The interface 864 between the inner cylindrical surface 862 and the flat face 860 may be chamfered. The cylindrical surface 862 has an inner diameter that is less than the diameter of the substantially flat groove wall 827 and may be substantially equal to the diameter of the inner wall 861 of the band portion 804.

With continued reference to FIGS. 21, 22A, 22B, 22C, 23A, and 23B, the inturned, proximal lip 831 of the ring connector 730 is configured to seat in the recess 707 of the connector insulator 716, and the tabs 705 of the connector insulator 716 are configured to seat in the groove 821 of the ring connector 730. The width of the lip 831 may be congruent with the width of the annular recess 707 to substantially prevent axial displacement of the lip 831 within the recess 707. In this configuration, the proximal face 860 of the ring connector 103 may abut the step surface 732 of the central body 782 of the connector insulator 716 and the distal retaining shoulder 823 of the inturned lip 821 may abut the square proximal shoulder 713 of the tabs 705 to axially interlock the ring connector 730 and the connector insulator 716. The height of the lip 831 may be congruent with a depth of the annular recess 707 to maintain a flush transition between the outer surfaces of the ring connector 730 and the connector insulator 716. That is, the distance between the inner cylindrical surface 862 of the inturned lip 831 and the outer surface of the band portion 804 of ring connector 730 may be approximately equal to the distance between the inner shoulder surface 727 of the annular recess 707 and the outer surface 729 of the central body 782 of the connector insulator 716.

During connection of the ring connector 730 and the connector insulator 716, the chamfered interface 864 between the face 860 and the cylindrical surface 862 of the ring connector 730 contacts the chamfered distal surface 709 of the tabs 705 of the connector insulator 716. Depending upon the material properties of the ring connector 730 and the connector insulator 716, the lip 831, the tabs 705, or both may resiliently deform to permit the lip 831 to pass axially by the tabs 705. Once the lip 831 clears the tabs 705, the lip 831, the tabs 705, or both elastically return to their non-deformed states to axially interconnect the ring connector 730 and the connector insulator 716. In some implementations, the lip 831 may frictionally engage at least one surface of the annular recess 707, the tabs 705 may mechanically engage at least one surface of the groove 821, or both, to constrict rotation of the ring connector 730 relative to the connector insulator 716. In some implementations, the ring connector 730 and the connector insulator 716 may be disconnected from each other without permanently damaging either component.

The mechanical strength of the snap or interference fit between the ring electrode 730 and the connector insulator 716 depends upon the design of the locking feature of the components. For example, the material strength, elasticity, diameter, and thickness of the locking features (i.e., the lip 831 and the tabs 705) affect the mechanical snap-fit connection strength. The tabs 705 of the connector insulator 716 shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 22A through 22C extend discontinuously around the periphery of the mount 109. That is, the connector insulator 716 includes three discrete tabs 705 spaced about a periphery of the connector insulator 716. The tabs 705 extend about a minority of the periphery of the insulator 716. The outer side surfaces 753 of the tabs 705 may extend approximately perpendicular to the inner shoulder surface 727. The tabs 705 also include a chamfered distal surface 709 to reduce an insertion force and a square proximal shoulder 713 to increase a disconnection force. The lip 831 of the ring connector 730 extends continuously around the inner periphery of the connector 730. The lip 831 also includes a chamfered proximal surface 864 for reducing an insertion force and a square distal surface 823 to matingly engage the squared shoulder 713 of the connector insulator 716 and increase a disconnection force. In an alternative implementation, the connector insulator 716 may include a single, continuous tab 705 extending in a ring about the periphery of the insulator 716 to increase the strength of the snap engagement connection by increasing the amount of material engagement between the ring connector 730 and the connector insulator 716.

With reference to FIGS. 22D through 22F, an alternative connector insulator 916 is provided. The insulator 916 generally has the same features as the connector insulator 716 depicted in FIGS. 22A through 22C except the tabs 905 are modified to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the snap lock feature associated with the connector insulator 916. The connector insulator 916 includes a plurality of tabs 905 unevenly distributed about the periphery of the inner shoulder surface 927. The tabs 905 are symmetric with respect to the cross-sectional plane defining the cross section depicted in FIG. 22E and include an upper tab 905A and two lower tabs 905B, 905C. The lower tabs 905B, 905C each include an outer side surface 953 that is substantially tangential to the outer circumference of the inner shoulder surface 927 and which are substantially parallel to each other. The substantially tangential and substantially parallel configuration of the side surfaces 953 may reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the lower tabs 905B, 905C without sacrificing mechanical strength of the snap-fit joint between the connector insulator 916 and the ring connector 730.

In some implementations, a multi-piece mold is used to form the tabs 905. The substantially tangential configuration of the side surfaces 953 of the lower tabs 905B, 905C may enable the use of a two-piece, or half-shell, mold. Each half of the mold can be radially removed from the connector insulator 916 after formation of the tabs 905 in opposing directions parallel to the outer side surfaces 953 of the lower tabs 905B, 905C with relative ease. If the side surfaces 853 were formed at a lesser angle than tangential to the base wall 815 and not parallel to each other, release of the two-piece, or half-shell, mold from the tabs 905 may be difficult, which may result in damage to the connector insulator 916 and/or the mold. Thus, in some implementations, e.g., in the embodiment of FIGS. 22A-22C, a three-piece or a higher number mold may be used during manufacturing if the tabs 905 are not formed with the substantially tangential and parallel side surfaces 953. The three-piece or higher number mold may reduce damage to the parts, with the drawback of additional manufacturing pieces. Although only two oblique side surfaces 953 are shown in FIGS. 22D through 22F, the tabs 905 may include any number of oblique side surfaces 953.

With reference to FIGS. 22G through 22I, another alternative connector insulator 1016 is provided. The connector insulator 1016 generally has the same features as the connector insulator 716 depicted in FIGS. 22A and 22C except the snap interlock feature includes only two tabs 1005. The tabs 1005 depicted in FIGS. 22G through 22I each have substantially the same cross-sectional shape as the tab 705 depicted in FIGS. 22A through 22C. That is, the tabs 1005 each have a chamfered distal surface 1009 (although the slope of the chamfered distal surface 1009 is longer than the chamfered surface 709 of the tab 705), a substantially square distal shoulder 1013, and a curved surface 1011 located intermediate the chamfered surface 1009 and the square shoulder 1013. The curved surfaces 1011 of each of the tabs 1005 follow the curve of a cylinder axially aligned with a center longitudinal axis of the connector insulator 1016. However, in contrast to the three tab 705 configuration of FIGS. 22A through 22C, in FIGS. 22G through 22I two discontinuous tabs 1005 are disposed around the periphery of the inner shoulder surface 1027. In particular, two diametrically opposed tabs 1005 protrude outwardly from the shoulder surface 1027 of the connector insulator 1016. The tabs 1005 collectively extend around a minority of the periphery of the shoulder surface 1027, although in other implementations the tabs 1005 may extend around one-half or a majority of the periphery of the shoulder surface 1027. Since the tabs 1005 are discontinuous and spaced apart from each other, voids are formed between the tabs 1005. The voids reduce the amount of material that engages the lip 831 of the ring connector 730, thereby reducing the mechanical strength of the snap-fit connection relative to a snap lock feature including a tab extending continuously around the periphery of the shoulder surface 1027.

The locking feature of the connector insulator 716, 916, 1016 may include any number of tabs. Generally, the inner shoulder surface of the connector insulator includes at least one tab, which may extend continuously or discontinuously around the periphery of the connector insulator. The at least one tab may extend around a minority, one-half, or a majority of the circumference of the inner shoulder surface of the connector insulator. The at least one tab may have a suitable cross-sectional shape to provide a suitable interlock insertion and retention force. The at least one tab may include a substantially square proximal shoulder to increase the mechanical strength of the mechanical snap-fit joint between the connector insulator and the ring connector. At least one side surface of the at least one tab may extend at an oblique angle, including tangential, from a circumferential surface of the connector insulator to reduce the cost and/or complexity of manufacturing the locking feature of the connector insulator, as previously discussed. Additionally or alternatively, at least one side surface of the at least one tab may extend perpendicular relative to the inner shoulder surface of the connector insulator.

With reference to FIG. 24, an isometric view of an embodiment of an implantable medical passive electrical lead 400 is provided. The lead 400 has a proximal end 402 and a distal end 404. As shown, a passive tip 406 may be disposed at the distal end 404 and may include a passive tip sheath 408 in the form of an anchor-type fixation mechanism. The passive tip sheath 408 may be designed to anchor the lead at a treatment site of a patient such as in the fibrous tissue lining the endocardium of a heart, for example. The passive tip sheath 408 may include one or more radially spaced tines 410 that engage the treatment site or other tissues adjacent to the treatment site thereby holding the distal end at or near the treatment site. As shown in FIG. 24, the lead 400 is longitudinally extended between the distal end 404 and the proximal end 402.

Referring now to FIG. 25, the proximal end 402 of the lead 400 includes a system of parts or pieces. The system of parts or pieces may be divided into three categories including inner parts relating to an inner conductor, outer parts relating to an outer conductor, and insulating parts for electrically separating the inner parts from the outer parts. The inner parts may include a conductive connector pin 412, an inner conductor or coil 420, and a pin sleeve 422. The outer parts may include a ring connector 430, an outer conductor or coil 434, and a ring sleeve 436. The inner and outer parts may be substantially separated by the insulating parts including a connector insulator 416 and an insulator tubing 424. A proximal seal 414 and a boot seal 440 may also be provided.

As shown in FIG. 25, the design of the proximal end 402 of the lead 400 is similar to the design of the proximal end 102 of the lead 100, except that the proximal seal 414 and the connector insulator 416 are slightly modified as compared to the proximal seal 114 and the connector insulator 116. The conductive connector pin 412, the inner conductor or coil 420, and the pin sleeve 422 are the same as the conductor connector pin 112, the inner conductor or coil 120, and the pin sleeve 122, respectively, previously discussed in connection with the lead 100. Thus, the description of these parts is not repeated here.

As shown in FIGS. 25 through 26B, the connector insulator 416 is similar to the connector insulator 116 in many respects. For example, the central body 482 and the distal extension 486 are substantially the same as the central body 182 and the distal extension 186. However, the proximal extension 484 only extends partially through a center bore 450 of the proximal seal 414, in contrast to the proximal extension 184, which extends fully through a center bore 150 of the proximal seal 114.

A close-up view of the connector insulator 416 is shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B. The connector insulator 416 may be configured for sleevably isolating the connector pin 412 and a portion of the inner conductor 420 from the outer parts. In addition, the connector insulator 416 may be configured for supporting a portion of the proximal seal 414. The connector insulator 416 may include a central body 482, a proximal extension 484, and a distal extension 486. The central body 482 may include a substantially cylindrically shaped body having an outer diameter. The distal extension 486 may also be substantially cylindrically shaped and may include an outer diameter smaller than that of the central body 482.

The proximal extension 484 of the connector insulator 416 may extend from the proximal end of the central body 482 and may be substantially cylindrical with a diameter smaller than that of the central body 482. The transition between the central body 482 and the proximal extension 484 may define a proximal shoulder 483 opposite the cascading shoulders described. The interface between the proximal extension 484 and the proximal shoulder 483 may be formed as a small, concave, annular radius 485. The proximal extension 184 may extend partially underneath the proximal seal 414. As such, when the proximal seal 414 is positioned on the proximal extension 484 a distal end of the proximal seal 414 may abut the proximal shoulder 483 of the central body 482 and the proximal end of the connector insulator 416 may align with a shoulder 497 within a center bore 450 of the proximal seal 414 as shown in FIGS. 25 and 27B.

The connector insulator 416 may include center bore 418 with a diameter configured for receiving the bar portion 464 of the connector pin 412. The center bore 418 may extend from the proximal end of the insulator 416 to a point within the central body 482 of the insulator 416 where the center bore 418 may transition to a bore 419 with a larger diameter. The bore 419 with the larger diameter may accommodate the increased diameter of the conductor end 462 of the connector pin 412. The diameter of the bores 418, 419 may closely fit the respective portions of the connector pin 412. The bore 419, with its larger diameter, may extend through the remaining portion of the central body 482 and through the distal extension 486 of the connector insulator 416.

The connector insulator 416 may be constructed from a bio-compatible grade of insulator material. This material may be selected to provide sufficient mechanical strength, elasticity, and insulation characteristics. For example, as described with respect to the connector pin 412, the conductor end 462 of the connector pin 412 may be pressed through the bore 418 of the connector insulator 416. As such, the connector insulator 416 may be made of a relatively strong yet elastic material allowing the pin 412 to be driven therethrough without loss of strength and without permanent deformation. In some embodiments, the connector insulator 416 may be made from a moldable thermoplastic such as polyurethane, polysulfone, or PEEK. Still other material may be selected to provide the suitable strength, elasticity, and insulation characteristics.

While elastic, the connector insulator 416 may also be designed to secure the connector pin 412 and prevent the connector pin 412 from being removed or withdrawn from the proximal end of the lead 400. A proximal shoulder 431 at the proximal end of the conductor end 462 of the connector pin 412 may be provided to transition to the smaller diameter bar portion 464. A surface 435 of the shoulder 431 may interact with an opposing surface 437 of shoulder 433 on the interior surface of the connector insulator 416. The shoulder 433 on the interior of the connector insulator 416 may be formed as the transition between the bore 418 and bore 419. The relative diameters of the bar portion 464 and bore 418 and the relative diameters of the conductor end 462 and bore 419 may be selected to allow the connector pin 412 to rotate within the connector insulator 416. However, to prevent removal therefrom, the diameter of the conductor end 462 may be selected to be larger than the diameter of the bore 418. In addition, the material of connector insulator 416 may be selected to be rigid enough to prevent withdrawal of the connector pin 412 under withdrawal loads or strengths specified by the IS-1 specification, for example.

The proximal seal 414 may be configured for secured placement on the connector insulator 416 and for sealingly engaging a socket on an electrical stimulation device. In addition, the proximal seal 414 may function, together with the connector insulator 416, to electrically isolate and prevent crosstalk between the ring connector 430 and the connector pin 412. As shown in FIGS. 27A and 27B, the proximal seal 414 may include a flush portion 498 and a seal portion 499. The flush portion 498 may be distal to the seal portion 499 and may function to encompass the proximal extension 484 of the connector insulator 416 and abut the central body 482 thereof. The flush portion 498 may be substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter substantially matching the outer diameter of the central body 482 of the connector insulator 416 thereby being flush therewith. The seal portion 499 may be proximal to the flush portion 498 and may also be substantially cylindrical with an outer diameter slightly larger than the flush portion 498. The seal portion 499 may include one or more (e.g., two) annular, radially-extending ribs 496 protruding from the outer surface of the seal portion 499 and defining relatively deep channels 492 in between. The ribs 496 may extend from the seal portion 499 such that the outer surface or tip of the ribs 496 defines a diameter larger than the flush portion 498. The diameter of the channels 492 may be smaller than the diameter of the flush portion 498 such that there is a stepped shoulder 495 between a base wall 493 of the channel 492 and the flush portion 498. A proximal annular lip 491 of the proximal seal 414 may have a similar diameter to the diameter of the channels 492 at the base wall 493 and may extend proximally as an annular ring from the most proximal rib 496. The ribs 496 may be adapted to engage a cylindrical socket and may have an outer diameter at least slightly larger than the diameter of the socket so as to sealingly engage an inner surface of the socket and prevent fluids or other matter from traveling into the socket and reaching the connector pin 412 or otherwise leaking into the electrical stimulation device.

The proximal seal 414 may include a bore 450 extending from the proximal end that expands to form a larger diameter distal bore 451 at the distal end. The smaller diameter bore 450 may be sized to seal against the outer diameter of the bar portion 464 of the connector pin 412. The bar portion 464 may further be fixed to an inner surface 456 of the bore 450 by a medical adhesive or other bio-adaptable adhesive equivalent. A squared shoulder 497 may be formed by the step in diameter between the bore 450 and the distal bore 451.

The diameter of the distal bore 451 may be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the proximal extension 484 of the connector insulator 416. When inserted within the distal bore 451, the proximal extension 484 may abut and seal against the squared shoulder 497. In some embodiments, the proximal seal 414 may be made of a resilient material and the diameter of the distal bore 451 may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal extension 484 of the connector insulator 416 such that the proximal seal may be stretched to receive the connector insulator 416 thereby compressively receiving the connector insulator 416 therein. The proximal seal 414 may be made from a suitably resilient material to compressively seal the proximal end 402 of the lead 400 with the electrical stimulation device. In some embodiments, the seal 414 may be a biocompatible silicone, for example. Still other materials may be selected to suitably seal the proximal end 402 of the lead 400 with the electrical stimulation device and also be compatible with the body.

Having described the inner parts and the isolation thereof by the insulator tubing 424 and the connector insulator 416, the outer parts may now be described. As shown in FIG. 25, the outer parts may include the ring connector 430, an outer conductor or coil 434, and a ring sleeve 436. The ring connector 430, the outer coil 434, and the ring sleeve 436 are the same as the ring connector 130, the outer coil 134, and the ring sleeve 136, respectively, previously discussed in connection with the lead 100. Thus, the description of these parts is not repeated here. Similarly, the ring sleeve 336 and the boot seal 340 are the same as the ring sleeve 136 and the boot seal 340 previously discussed in connection with the lead 100, and thus the description of these parts is not repeated here.

Referring again to FIG. 25, the assembled proximal end of the lead may be described. As shown, the electrically conductive connector pin 412 may extend through and may be disposed in a center bore 450 of a proximal seal 414 and a center bore 418 of a connector insulator 416. The bar portion 464 of the connector pin 412 may be arranged in the center bore 418. A distal part of bar portion 464 may be separated from the inner surface of the center bore 450 by the proximal extension 484 of the connector insulator 416. The electrically conductive inner conductor or coil 420 may be crimped to the conductor end 462 of the connector pin 412 in conjunction with the pin sleeve 422. The inner insulator tubing 424 may extend over the inner coil conductor 420 and the flared portion 426 thereof may be sleeved onto the distal extension 486 of the connector insulator 416 to create a fluid-tight, compression fit therewith. The inner insulator tubing 424 may abut the inner shoulder 490 of the cascading shoulders and having an outer surface substantially flush with the cylindrical outer surface 427 of the inner shoulder 490. As such, the connector pin 412, the crimp connection, and the inner coil 420 may be substantially fully insulated along its length by the connector insulator 416 and the insulator tubing 424. However, the inner conductor 420 may be exposed via an electrode at the distal end 404 for treatment and the connector pin 412 may be exposed at the proximal end 402 for electrical communication with an electrical stimulation device. The proximal seal 414 may be arranged on the connector insulator 416 and the outwardly projecting ribs 496 may engage a socket on an electrical stimulation device to prevent fluid or other liquid from contacting with the connector pin 412.

The band portion of the ring connector 430 may extend over the flared portion 426 of the insulator tubing 424 and may abut the outer shoulder 488 of the cascading shoulders on the connector insulator 416. As shown, the outer surface of the band portion of the ring connector 430 may be flush with the outer surface 429 of the central body 482 of the connector insulator 416. The outer conductor or outer coil 434 may be arranged to receive the inner coil 420 and insulator tubing 424 concentrically within the outer conductor or coil 434. The outer conductor or coil 434 may be crimped to the ring connector 430 by a ring sleeve 436, thereby electrically connecting to the ring connector 430. The boot seal 440 may be positioned over the outer coil 434 and an inwardly protruding rib 443 thereof may engage a slot portion of the ring connector thereby securing the position of the boot seal 440 relative to the ring connector 430. The crimped outer coil 434 and portions of the ring connector 430 may be disposed within a center bore 441 of the boot seal 440. Like the proximal seal 414, the radially projecting ribs 444 of the boot seal 440 may engage a socket on an electrical stimulation device to prevent body fluid or other liquid from contacting the ring connector 430 or otherwise entering the electrical stimulation device.

Accordingly, the connector pin 412 may be electrically connected to the inner coil 420, and the ring connector 430 may be electrically connected to the outer coil 434. In operation of the lead, electrical signals may be sent from the proximal end 402 to the distal end 404 via the connector pin 412 and the inner coil 420, and via the ring connector 430 and the outer coil 434. The inner coil 420 may be electrically insulated from the outer coil 434 by the inner insulator tubing 424. The ring connector 430 may be electrically insulated from the inner coil 420 by the inner insulator tubing 424 and the connector insulator 416. The connector pin 412 may be electrically insulated from the ring connector 430 by the proximal seal 414 and the connector insulator 416. The connector pin 412 may be prevented from contacting fluid or other liquid by the sealing ribs 496 of the proximal seal 414. The ring connector 430 may be prevented from being in contact with fluid or other liquid by the sealing ribs 444 of the boot seal 440.

The passive tip 408 at the distal end 404 of the lead 400 is depicted in cross section in FIG. 28. The passive tip 406 may be considered to be composed primarily of a ring electrode 403, a tip electrode 405, and a passive tip sheath 408. A proximal end of the ring electrode 403 is electrically and mechanically connected to the distal end of the outer conductor coil 434. The proximal end of the tip electrode 405 is electrically and mechanically connected to the distal end of the inner conductor coil 420. The distal end of the ring electrode is connected to the proximal end of the passive tip sheath 408. The proximal portion of the tip electrode is substantially encased within the passive tip sheath 408 with the exception of an annular tip face 508 that is exposed and abuts a distal end of the passive tip sheath 408.

The tip electrode 405 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 29A and 29B. The tip electrode may be generally cylindrical in shape with a number of stepped outer diameters, beginning at the proximal end with a proximal shaft section 502 of the smallest diameter. The proximal shaft section 502 is the section of the tip electrode 405 that engages the inner conductor coil 420 as will be described in further detail below. The proximal shaft section 502 transitions into a larger diameter medial shaft section 504 at a medial shoulder 503. The medial shaft section 504 may further transition distally into an even larger outer diameter barrel section 506 at a barrel shoulder 505, which is the section of the tip electrode 405 that may interface with an annular shelf 537 of the passive tip sheath 408 (see FIG. 30B) to help retain the passive tip sheath 408 on the lead 400. The barrel section 506 may further transition to the annular tip face 508 having and even larger outer diameter at a tip shoulder 509. The annular tip face 508 may be exposed to the patient's blood and tissue when the lead 400 is implanted in vivo. The electrode tip 405 may thus be made of a precious metal, for example, Pt/Ir, Pt, or another electrically conductive, biocompatible material. The tip shoulder 509 may further interface with an annular face 525 of the passive tip sheath 408 (see FIGS. 30A and 30B) to additionally help retain the passive tip sheath 408 on the lead 400.

The outer surface of the tip face 508 may be formed as a radiused curve from the tip shoulder 509 to a point at which an entrance to a steroid cavity 510 within the barrel section 506 is defined. The steroid cavity 510 may be generally cylindrical as it extends within the barrel section 506. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 29B, the base wall 514 of the steroid cavity 510 may be formed as a concave conical surface. The sidewalls of the barrel section 506 may define one or more (in this example, two) adhesive apertures 512 for introduction or release of adhesive through the steroid cavity 510 onto the outer surface of the barrel portion 506 to create an adhesive bond with the passive tip sheath 408. Adhesive may also be provide in the concave are formed in the based wall 514 in the steroid cavity 510 in order to assist in retaining the steroid 407 therein.

One exemplary embodiment of a passive tip sheath 408 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 30A and 30B. The passive tip sheath 408 may be generally cylindrical in shape with a long tubular sheath 520 forming the proximal section thereof. The tubular sheath 520 may transition at a stepped shoulder 521 to a narrower diameter tine recess section 522. Immediately distal to the tine recess section 522 is a tine section 523 from which a plurality of tines 410 (in this exemplary embodiment, four) protrude at a number of evenly-spaced circumferential locations about the tine section 523. The tines 410 extend proximally from the tine section 523 at an acute angle with respect to the recess section 523. The passive tip sheath 408 may extend a short length further distally from the tine section 523 in a sloped section 524 that tapers in diameter until terminating at an annular face 525.

The tines 410 may be integrally formed with the passive tip sheath 408 and may flex at the interface with the tine section 523 in the manner of a living hinge. The tines 410 may flex radially inward and fold flat against the recess section 522 such that the outer diameter across the recess section 522 when the tines 410 are folded down is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tubular sheath 520. In this manner, when the lead 400 is advanced through a catheter for in vivo placement, the tines 410 can fold against the recess section 522 and the passive electrode tip 406 can easily pass through a delivery catheter. When the passive electrode tip 406 emerges from the distal end of the delivery catheter, the tines will spring radially outward and provide anchor structures to anchor the distal end 404 of the lead 400 in cardiac tissue. The passive tip sheath 408 may be formed of a resilient biocompatible elastomeric material in order to both provide for the resilient properties needed for the tines 410 and to be fitted over the tip electrode 405 and other structures and retained thereon.

The passive tip sheath 408 may define a lumen 526 therethrough in order to be fitted over the tip electrode 405, a length of the inner coil 420, and the distal end of the ring electrode 403 as will be further described herein in greater detail. At a proximal end, the lumen may define a sleeve bore 528 of relatively large diameter with respect to the rest of the lumen 526 that is sized in both diameter and length to sleeve over and create a fluid-tight connection with the connection section 560 of the ring electrode 403. The sleeve bore 528 transitions at a sleeve shoulder 529 to a relatively long inner coil bore 530 of a narrower inner diameter that is sized to extend over the inner conductor coil 420 for a length until the inner conductor coil 420 couples with the tip electrode 405. The inner coil bore 530 transitions to a middle bore 532 of larger inner diameter along a sloped section 531 that gradually increases the inner diameter between the two bore sections. The middle bore 532 is sized in diameter and length to fit about a connection between the connection between the outer insulating tubing 424 and the proximal end of the tip sleeve 409.

The middle bore 532 transitions to a tip sleeve bore 534 of smaller diameter at a squared shoulder 533 that abuts a distal end of the inner insulating tubing 424. The tip sleeve bore 534 covers the remainder of the tip sleeve 409 that forms a crimp connection with the tip electrode 405. The tip sleeve bore 534 then transitions to a tine bore 536, which is generally coextensive with the tine section 523 on the outer surface of the passive tip sheath 408 and which houses the medial shaft section 504 of the tip electrode 405. Finally, the lumen 526 exits the distal end of the passive tip sheath 408 through a tip bore 538 that is of a larger diameter than the tine bore 536 and which is sized to house the barrel section 506 of the tip electrode 405. The annular shelf 537 acts as a shoulder at the change in diameter between the tine bore 536 and the tip bore 538. The annular shelf 537 acts as an axial stop abutting the tip shoulder 509 of the tip electrode 405 to prevent the passive tip sheath 408 from sliding distally off of the lead 400.

Another exemplary embodiment of a passive tip sheath 608 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 30C and 30D. It is in many respects similar to the passive tip sheath 408 of FIGS. 30A and 30B except for the proximal end. For example, the passive tip sheath 608 may be generally cylindrical in shape with a long tubular sheath 620 forming a primary section thereof. At a proximal end, tubular sheath 620 transitions at a sheath shoulder 629 to define a proximal insert 628 of a smaller diameter than the tubular sheath 620 that is sized in both diameter and length to be inserted within and create a fluid-tight connection with the distal end of an alternate embodiment of the ring electrode 603 as further described below. The proximal insert 628 may be formed of alternating sections of recessed wall 616 and protruding wall 618 oriented longitudinally with respect to length of the passive tip sheath 608. The protruding wall section 618 creates a tight, friction fit with the ring electrode 603 and the recessed wall sections 616 provide adhesive wells for receiving biocompatible adhesive to permanently connect the passive tip sheath 608 to the ring electrode 603 as further described below.

Toward the distal end, the tubular sheath 620 may transition at a stepped shoulder 621 to a narrower diameter tine recess section 622. Immediately distal to the tine recess section 622 is a tine section 623 from which a plurality of tines 610 protrude at a number of evenly-spaced circumferential locations about the tine section 623. The passive tip sheath 608 may extend a short length further distally from the tine section 623 in a sloped section 624 that tapers in diameter until terminating at an annular face 625.

The passive tip sheath 608 may define a lumen 626. A relatively long inner coil bore 630 of a constant inner diameter that is sized to extend over the inner conductor coil 420 extends from the proximal insert 628 for a length until the inner conductor coil 420 couples with the tip electrode 405. The inner coil bore 630 transitions to a middle bore 632 of larger inner diameter along a sloped section 631 that gradually increases the inner diameter between the two bore sections. The middle bore 632 is sized in diameter and length to fit about a connection between the connection between the outer insulating tubing 424 and the proximal end of the tip sleeve 409.

The middle bore 632 transitions to a tip sleeve bore 634 of smaller diameter at a squared shoulder 633 that abuts a distal end of the outer insulating tubing 424. The tip sleeve bore 634 covers the remainder of the tip sleeve 409 that forms a crimp connection with the tip electrode 405. The tip sleeve bore 634 then transitions to a tine bore 636, which is generally coextensive with the tine section 623 on the outer surface of the passive tip sheath 608 and which houses the medial shaft section 504 of the tip electrode 405. Finally, the lumen 626 exits the distal end of the passive tip sheath 608 through a tip bore 638 that is of a larger diameter than the tine bore 636 and which is sized to house the barrel section 306 of the tip electrode 405. The annular shelf 637 acts as a shoulder at the change in diameter between the tine bore 636 and the tip bore 638. The annular shelf 637 acts as an axial stop abutting the tip shoulder 309 of the tip electrode 405 to prevent the passive tip sheath 608 from sliding distally off of the lead 400.

FIG. 31 depicts an exemplary steroid capsule 407 that may be placed within the steroid cavity 510 in the barrel section 506 of the tip electrode 405. The steroid capsule 407 may be formed as a cylindrical plug sized to fit snugly within the steroid cavity 510. The steroid capsule 407 may be any of a number of steroids or medicaments prepared in a binder for timed release after implantation of the lead 400 in order to promote healing of any trauma caused by placement of the lead 400 or to deliver a desirable drug for efficacy within the heart. As noted above, the steroid capsule 407 may be adhered within the barrel section 506 with a biocompatible adhesive to ensure that the steroid capsule 407 does not dislodge even after eluting.

FIGS. 32A and 32B depict an exemplary embodiment of a tip sleeve 409 used to crimp the tip electrode 405 to the inner conductor coil 420. The tip sleeve 409 is formed as a cylindrical sleeve 540 defining a tip sleeve bore 544 of a constant diameter therethrough. The diameter of the tip sleeve bore 544 is selected to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal shaft section 502 of the tip electrode 405 plus two times the thickness of the wall of the inner conductor coil 420 in order to provide a crimped connection with the proximal shaft section 502 by sandwiching the inner conductor coil 420 therebetween. One or more semicircular cutouts 542 may be formed in the cylindrical sleeve 540 at the distal end thereof. The cutouts 542 may be provided to allow for visual inspection of the crimp connection between the tip sleeve 409 and the proximal shaft section 502 of the tip electrode 405 during assembly.

The ring electrode 403 is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 33A and 33B. The ring electrode 403 is generally tubular in shape with various cylindrical sections of varying diameter. A smooth, cylindrical proximal sleeve 550 forms the proximal end of the ring electrode 403 and is sized in length and diameter to fit within the distal end of the outer connector coil 434 and may be laser welded thereto or otherwise securely mechanically attached to form a permanent mechanical and electrical connection. An adhesive channel 552 is formed distally adjacent the proximal sleeve 550 and is defined by a proximal curb 551 and a distal curb 553. The proximal curb 551 and the distal curb 553 may be of the same diameter, which may be slightly larger in diameter than the proximal sleeve 550. The adhesive channel 552 may be substantially the same diameter as the proximal sleeve 550. The proximal curb 551 may separate the proximal sleeve from the adhesive channel 552. The diameters of the proximal and distal curbs 551, 553 are selected to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the outer sheath 452 and the surfaces of the proximal and distal curbs 551, 553 are smooth in order to provide a close compression fit with the outer sheath 452. The adhesive channel 552 may define one or more adhesive apertures 554 (two are shown in the exemplary embodiment) in order to introduce a biocompatible adhesive into the channel 552 to bond the ring electrode 403 to the outer sheath 452.

The ring electrode 403 may transition from the adhesive channel 552 via a proximal shoulder 555 adjacent the distal curb 553 to an exposed section 556 of a greater outer diameter. The exposed section 556 may be smooth and cylindrical in shape and is not covered or insulated from the patient's blood or tissue. The exposed section 556 may be made of a precious metal, e.g., PT/Ir or Pt, or another electrically conductive, biocompatible material. The distal end of the exposed section 556 transitions at a distal shoulder 557 to a connection section 560 that may be of a smaller outer diameter than the exposed section 556. The connection section 560 may be formed with a series of flat ribs 558 separated from each other by a series of flat channels 559. The flat ribs 558 may be selected to be of a diameter to increase the bonding surface of the sleeve bore 528 of the passive tip sheath 408 for increased bonding strength and to and create a tight connection therebetween. The flat channels 559 provide areas for a biocompatible adhesive to be introduced and flow to thereby permanently adhere the sleeve bore 528 of the passive tip sheath 408 to the connection section 560 at the distal end of the ring electrode 403.

The ring electrode 403 may also define a lumen of two different bore sizes. A distal bore 562 is sized to be of a slightly larger diameter than the insulating tubing 424 surrounding the inner conductor coil 420 to provide clearance for its passage therethrough. A proximal bore 564 is sized to be substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the insulating tubing 424 surrounding the inner conductor coil 420. The insulating tubing 424 and inner conductor coil 420 are thereby able to pass through the proximal bore 564 during assembly. However, the adhesive in the adhesive channel 552 may pass through the adhesive apertures 554 to contact the insulating tubing 424 and thereby adhere the insulating tubing 424 to the ring electrode 403 to act as a strain relief on possible axial pull on the insulating tubing 424 that might act to pull the insulating tubing 424 off of the tip sleeve 409 upon which the distal end of the insulating tubing 424 expands and terminates as further described below. An interior shoulder 566 provides the transition between the smaller diameter proximal bore 564 to the larger diameter distal bore 562.

An exemplary alternate embodiment of a ring electrode 603 for use in conjunction with the passive tip sheath 608 of FIGS. 30C and 30D is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 34A and 34B. The ring electrode 603 is generally tubular in shape with various cylindrical sections of varying diameter. A smooth, cylindrical proximal sleeve 650 forms the proximal end of the ring electrode 603 and is sized in length and diameter to fit within the distal end of the outer connector coil 434 and may be laser welded thereto or otherwise securely mechanically attached to form a permanent mechanical and electrical connection. Several adhesive channels 652 are formed distally adjacent the proximal sleeve 650 and are defined by a proximal curb 651, a medial curb 659, and a distal curb 653. The proximal, medial, and distal curbs 651, 659, 653 may be of the same diameter, which may be slightly larger in diameter than the proximal sleeve 650. The adhesive channels 652 may be substantially the same diameter as the proximal sleeve 650. The proximal curb 651 may separate the proximal sleeve from the first of the adhesive channels 652. The diameters of the proximal, medial, and distal curbs 651, 659, 653 are selected to be substantially the same as the inner diameter of the outer sheath 452 and the surfaces of the proximal, medial, and distal curbs 651, 659, 653 are smooth in order to provide a close compression fit with the outer sheath 452. One or more adhesive apertures 654 (two are shown in the exemplary embodiment) may be defined in the area of the proximal, medial, and distal curbs 651, 659, 653 and the adhesive channels 652 in order to introduce a biocompatible adhesive into the channels 652 to bond the ring electrode 603 to the outer sheath 452.

The ring electrode 603 may transition to an exposed section 656 of a greater outer diameter from a proximal shoulder 655 adjacent the distal curb 653. The exposed section 656 may be smooth and cylindrical in shape and is not covered or insulated from the patient's blood or tissue. The exposed section 656 may be made of a precious metal, e.g., PT/Ir or Pt, or another electrically conductive, biocompatible material. The distal end of the exposed section 656 may terminate at a distal rim 657 that defines a distal entrance to a lumen of the ring electrode 603. The lumen may be formed with a proximal bore 664 of a smaller diameter than a distal bore 662. An interior shoulder 666 provides the transition between the smaller diameter proximal bore 664 to the larger diameter distal bore 662.

The distal bore 662 may be sized to be of an inner diameter slightly larger than the protruding wall section 618 of the passive tip sheath 608 to create a clearance fit with the passive tip sheath 608, which is of a larger diameter than the insulating tubing 424 surrounding the inner conductor coil 420 to provide clearance for its passage therethrough. The recessed wall sections 616 of the passive tip sheath 608 provide adhesive wells for receiving biocompatible adhesive to permanently connect the passive tip sheath 608 within the distal bore 662 of the ring electrode 603.

The proximal bore 664 may be sized to be substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the insulating tubing 424 surrounding the inner conductor coil 420. The insulating tubing 424 and inner conductor coil 420 are thereby able to pass through the proximal bore 664 during assembly. However, the adhesive in the adhesive channels 652 may pass through the adhesive apertures 654 to contact the insulating tubing 424 and thereby adhere the insulating tubing 424 to the ring electrode 603 to act as a strain relief on possible axial pull on the insulating tubing 424 that might act to pull the insulating tubing 424 off of the tip sleeve 409 upon which the distal end of the insulating tubing 424 expands and terminates as further described below.

With reference to FIG. 35, an alternative proximal end of the lead of FIG. 24 is provided with a snap-fit connection between the passive connector insulator 1116 and the ring connector 1130. The passive connector insulator 1116 and the ring connector 1130 are designed to snap together to axially secure the parts together. The snap engagement may improve the mechanical strength of the connection joint between the components. Additionally or alternatively, the snap engagement may eliminate the use of medical adhesive or other bio-compatible glue for connecting the passive connector insulator 1116 and the ring connector 1130. Optionally, in some implementations, medical adhesive may be used to further enhance the joint strength between the passive connector insulator 1116 and the ring connector 1130. In some embodiments, the snap-fit connection features of the passive connector insulator 1116 and the ring connector 1130 may be the same as those described above in relation to FIGS. 21, 22A, 22B, 22C, 23A, and 23B (i.e., the tabs 705, 905, 1105 may be provided on a passive connector insulator 416 of the type shown in FIGS. 26A and 26B to form different embodiments of the passive connector insulator 1116 and the ring connector 1130 may be similar to or the same as the ring connector 730 in FIGS. 23A and 23B). Thus, the description of these interlock features will not be repeated here.

With reference to FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 36C, an alternative passive connector insulator 1216 is provided. The passive connector insulator 1216 generally has the same features as the connector insulator 416 depicted in FIGS. 26A and 26B except the cylindrical outer surface 1227 of the inner shoulder 1290 is extended distally along the distal extension 1286 to accommodate a snap-fit connection feature. In particular, the connector insulator 1216 includes four tabs 1205 evenly spaced about the periphery of the outer surface 1227. The tabs 1205 are positioned about a distal portion of the outer surface 1227, thereby defining an annular recess 1207 located proximally of the tabs 1205. The tabs 1205 each include a chamfered distal surface 1209, a substantially square proximal shoulder 1213, and a curved surface 1211 located intermediate the chamfered surface 1209 and the square shoulder 1213. The curved surfaces 1211 of the tabs 1205 follow the curve of a cylinder axially aligned with a center longitudinal axis of the passive connector insulator 1216. The interface between the chamfered surface 1209 and the curved surface 1211 may be arcuate, curved, or rounded. The annular recess 1207 is defined by the outer surface 1227, which serves as a base wall for the recess 1207. The base wall or outer surface 1227 of the recess 1207 is positioned between the square proximal shoulder 1213 and an opposing, radially-extending step surface 1232. The outer diameter of the tabs 1205 is greater than the inner diameter of annular recess 1207 and may be less than the diameter of the outer surface 1229 of the central body 1282.

With reference to FIGS. 36D through 36F, another alternative connector insulator is provided. The insulator 1316 generally has the same features as the connector insulator 1216 depicted in FIGS. 36A through 36C except the tabs 1105 may be modified to reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the snap lock feature associated with the passive connector insulator 1116. The connector insulator 1316 includes a plurality of tabs 1305 unevenly distributed about the periphery of the outer surface 1327. The tabs 1305 are symmetric with respect to the cross-sectional plane defining the cross section depicted in FIG. 36E and include two upper tabs 1305A, 1305B and two lower tabs 1305C, 1305D. Each of the tabs 1305 includes a side surface 1353 that extends at an oblique angle from the outer surface 1327 of the recess 1307. The angled configuration of the side surfaces 1353 may reduce the cost and complexity of manufacturing the tabs 1305 without sacrificing mechanical strength of the snap-fit joint between the connector insulator 1316 and the ring connector 1130, as previously discussed in connection with the connector insulator 916. Although each tab 1305 includes only one oblique side surface 1353 in FIGS. 36D through 36F, the tabs 1305 may include any number of oblique side surfaces 1353. In one implementation, both side surfaces of each tab 1305 extend at oblique angles from the outer surface 1327 of the recess 1307. The oblique angle may be tangential to the outer surface 1327. Alternatively, the side surfaces 1353 may extend approximately perpendicular to the outer surface 1327.

Similar to the active connector insulator, the locking feature of the passive connector insulator may include any number of tabs. Generally, at least one tab may extend continuously or discontinuously around the periphery of the passive connector insulator. The at least one tab may extend around a minority, one-half, or a majority of the circumference of the outer surface of the connector insulator. The at least one tab may have a suitable cross-sectional shape to provide a suitable interlock insertion and retention force. The at least one tab may include a substantially square proximal shoulder to increase the mechanical strength of the mechanical snap-fit joint between the connector insulator and the ring connector. At least one side surface of the at least one tab may extend at an oblique angle, including tangential, from a circumferential surface of the connector insulator to reduce the cost and/or complexity of manufacturing the locking feature of the connector insulator. Additionally or alternatively, at least one side surface of the at least one tab may extend perpendicular relative to an outer surface of the passive connector insulator.

One of the advantages of implementations of the present invention is that most of the parts and components of the proximal end of the active and passive leads can be shared, which significantly reduces the cost of tooling, manufacturing, and assembling. For example, the conductive connector pin 112, 412, the inner conductor or coil 120, 420, the insulator tubing 124, 424, the pin sleeve 122, 422, the ring connector 130, 430, and the outer conductor or coil 134, 434 of the proximal end 102, 402 of the active and passive leads 100, 400, respectively, are the same. The proximal seals 114, 414 and the connector insulators 116, 416 of the proximal end 102, 402 of the active and passive leads 102, 402, respectively, differ slightly from one another. Accordingly, only two components or parts of the proximal end 102, 402 of the active and passive leads 100, 400, respectively, may be switched to transition from an active to a passive lead.

All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined in the claims. Although various embodiments of the claimed invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. Other embodiments are therefore contemplated. Many of the implementations described herein are not required and the order of steps or operation may be a matter of choice, dependent on the performance requirements of the particular implementation. Accordingly, the operations making up the embodiments of the technology described herein may be referred to variously as methods, operations, or steps. It should be understood that operations may be performed in any order, unless explicitly claimed otherwise or a specific order is inherently necessitated by the claim language. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A connector insulator for use with a cardiac lead to provide electrical insulation between a connector pin and a ring connector, the connector insulator comprising: a body; a proximal extension part extending from the body in a proximal direction and connectable to the connector pin; and a distal extension part extending from the body in a distal direction and connectable to the ring connector, the distal extension part including at least one tab extending radially outward from an outer surface of the distal extension part, the at least one tab being integral with the distal extension part and being separated from the body by a space in a distal direction to define an annular recess between the at least one tab and the body; wherein the at least one tab includes a side surface that extends at an oblique angle with respect to a rotational direction from the outer surface of the distal extension part.
 2. The connector insulator of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab includes a chamfered distal surface, a substantially square proximal shoulder, and a substantially curved surface located intermediate the distal surface and the proximal shoulder.
 3. The connector insulator of claim 1, wherein the at least one tab comprises a plurality of tabs symmetrically spaced about the outer surface of the distal extension.
 4. The connector insulator of claim 1, wherein the distal extension extends from the body in the distal direction from a set of cascading shoulders, and wherein the at least one tab extends radially outward from a surface of the set of cascading shoulders. 